At least two people have been killed after an explosion at a military barracks in Bolivia, authorities said on Sunday, warning the death toll could rise.
Bolivian Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano announced that 81 people had been injured when pyrotechnic material detonated at the barracks—a site housing an artillery regiment—around 14:30 local time (18:30 GMT) on Friday. Seven casualties remain missing.
Health minister Rita Nebraska informed local television that between ten and fifteen people were believed to have died in the incident, which occurred in Viacha, about 30 kilometres (19 miles) from La Paz, according to Reuters.
Police reports indicated that dozens of nearby homes suffered damage from the blast, and emergency crews were searching through rubble.
Nebraska warned of the risk of a secondary explosion and urged residents to keep at least 150 metres away from the base.
Bolivia’s president, Rodrigo Paz, sent his "deepest solidarity" to the families of the victims and pledged a "thorough, technical and transparent investigation" into the incident. He posted the message on social media.
Police spokesman Roger Roca told Reuters that fireworks had been stored at the barracks and the cause of the blast was still being investigated.
Viacha authorities declared a three‑day mourning period following the explosion.
