Explosion at Bolivia military base leaves at least 10 dead, dozens injured

At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured after a powerful explosion ripped through a military facility in Viacha, Bolivia, on Friday, according to local authorities.

The blast occurred around 2:30pm local time in an area where pyrotechnic materials were stored. Officials said the exact cause remained unclear, but the explosion appeared to have originated from a fireworks stockpile belonging to the Defence Ministry.

Viacha health director Rita Nebraska said between 10 and 15 people were feared dead, while 62 others were injured. Fourteen of the wounded were taken to hospitals in nearby La Paz, including a girl who suffered third-degree burns.

Police reported that more than 50 people were injured and dozens of nearby homes were damaged, mainly after the blast shattered windows.

Emergency crews, medical teams and police rushed to the military complex to evacuate the wounded and assess the damage.

Authorities also warned residents to remain at least 150 metres away from the site after firefighters detected a remaining heat source that could trigger another explosion.