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Bolivian authorities confirmed on Monday that the death toll from an explosion at a military barracks in Viacha has risen to nine, while rescue teams continue searching for people still missing after the deadly blast.
The explosion occurred at around 2:30 p.m. local time (1830 GMT) on Friday at a military facility in Viacha, a municipality about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from La Paz. Authorities said the blast happened in an area used to store pyrotechnic materials.
Bolivia’s Defense Ministry said rescuers discovered a ninth body beneath the rubble on Monday afternoon. The remains were transferred to a morgue for identification.
Army Commander Hector Alarcón said the number of casualties could have been significantly higher because many members of the Bolivar Regiment were away from the barracks participating in a recreational bicycle ride when the explosion occurred.
Authorities have not disclosed how many people remain unaccounted for.
“Our priority remains finding our comrades who are still missing and providing answers to their families as soon as possible,” Alarcón said during a press conference on Monday.
Health Minister Marcela Flores said 84 patients had received medical treatment following the Viacha military barracks explosion. As of Monday morning, 31 people remained hospitalized.
President Rodrigo Paz said investigators were working to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Preliminary indications suggest the incident was accidental and may have resulted from the improper handling of explosives stored at the military installation.
Paz said Bolivia’s Armed Forces are reviewing safety procedures at military facilities to strengthen protections for enlisted personnel, officers and residents living near military bases.
The president also declared a period of national mourning following the tragedy and called on Bolivians to avoid politicizing the incident.
Search and recovery operations remain focused on locating those still missing, while investigators examine how explosives and pyrotechnic materials were being handled and stored before the blast.
