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At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured after a powerful explosion ripped through a military barracks in Viacha, Bolivia, about 30 kilometres from the capital La Paz, on Friday.
The blast occurred at around 2:30pm local time in an area used to store pyrotechnic materials.
Bolivian officials said the explosion originated from a fireworks stockpile belonging to the Defence Ministry. The exact cause of the blast has not yet been determined.
Viacha health director Rita Nebraska said the death toll was estimated at between 10 and 15, while 62 people were reported injured.
Bolivia’s Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano said most of those injured were civilians.
The explosion caused extensive damage in the surrounding area, including shattered windows in nearby homes. Emergency teams, including ambulances and firefighters, were deployed to the scene to rescue victims and assist the injured.
Authorities also warned of a remaining heat source at the site that could trigger another explosion and urged people to stay at least 150 metres away from the area.
An investigation has been launched to determine how the explosion occurred and whether safety procedures for storing the pyrotechnic materials were followed.
