Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano stated that “pyrotechnic materials” were stored at the base in Vijača, located southwest of Bolivia’s administrative capital La Paz.
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The exact cause of the explosions that occurred around 2:30 PM local time (9:30 PM Lithuanian time) is under investigation, according to his statement.
Videos released by local media show a thick column of black smoke rising from the city center.
The explosions damaged nearby houses – videos show broken windows, collapsed ceilings, and scattered debris.
E. Justiniano indicated that two people have been confirmed dead, and seven others are considered missing.
The injured, including two in serious condition, were taken to medical facilities, he added.
The Ministry of Defense reported that the deceased and missing were soldiers serving at the base.
An earlier police report stated that 59 people were injured, of whom at least 52 were civilians.
After the explosions, firefighters rushed to the base, and local residents were evacuated to a temporary shelter.
In the area where dozens of police officers were concentrated, the electricity supply was cut off, reported a journalist from the AFP news agency.
Investigation underway
President Rodrigo Paz expressed “deep condolences to the families of the deceased, the injured, and all residents affected by the explosions.”
He said he had ordered a “comprehensive, technical, and transparent” investigation.
“We must clearly establish the causes of this incident, verify whether safety protocols were followed, and determine any possible responsibility,” he wrote on the social network X.
Vijača authorities declared three days of mourning.
E. Justiniano said that two explosions occurred one after another.
It is believed that the first explosion detonated “black powder attributed to pyrotechnic material stored on site,” he said.
This was followed by “a second, much larger explosion,” he added, noting that the cause of the explosion and the detonated material are still being determined.
The Ministry of Defense reported that no military weapons exploded.
“Our priority right now is people: caring for the injured, assisting their families, and continuing search and verification,” said E. Justiniano.
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