The toll from explosions at a military facility in Bolivia has risen to six dead, while authorities also report 84 injured and 11 missing. The incident has raised serious questions about how hazardous materials were stored at a military site near populated areas.
The death toll rose after bodies were found under the rubble
According to the Defense Ministry, rescue teams found three more bodies under the rubble on Sunday, bringing the death toll to six. The dead reportedly include three soldiers.
Authorities said that in addition to the fatalities, 84 people were injured, while 11 others are still missing.
The explosion occurred at a facility where hazardous materials were stored
According to the official version, the explosions occurred at a military facility where confiscated fireworks, grenades and TNT were being stored. The very nature of the materials kept there further heightens concerns about safety standards at the site.
Earlier statements also mentioned a military equipment maintenance center in the city of Viacha, in southwestern Bolivia, leaving the public without a full clarification on the exact function of the affected facility.
The incident happened near La Paz, in a city of around 100,000 people
The explosions occurred on Friday afternoon in Viacha, a city of around 100,000 people, about 30 kilometers from La Paz. Its proximity to a populated area makes the incident even more alarming in terms of the impact on civilians and risk management by the responsible institutions.
So far, authorities have not provided a full public explanation for the cause of the explosions.
Searches continue as experts inspect the area
Rescue teams are continuing searches in the rubble, while experts are examining the areas and materials affected by the explosions, as well as damaged structures at the facility.
Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said there are still areas at the facility that need to be checked by experts, indicating that the toll and the true extent of the damage may not yet be fully known.
Beyond the figures reported so far, the incident has put institutional responsibility for the storage of explosive materials and safety oversight at military facilities in the spotlight.
Until the verifications are completed, many questions remain open about how hazardous materials were managed at this facility.