Bolivia Barracks Blast Toll Climbs to Seven as Search for Missing Continues

The death toll from explosions at a military base in Viacha, Bolivia, has risen to seven, with search efforts ongoing three days after the incident.

Army Commander Hector Alarcon said on Monday that seven people remain unaccounted for following the blasts at the barracks, located about 30km southwest of La Paz. He said the priority was to locate the missing personnel and give their families news as quickly as possible.

Health Minister Marcela Flores reported that 84 people have received treatment since the explosions occurred, with 31 patients still hospitalised.

The explosions took place on Friday afternoon in a section of the base used to store pyrotechnic materials. Officials had earlier indicated the site held confiscated fireworks along with grenades and TNT-based explosives.

An investigation into the cause is underway, though President Rodrigo Paz said the incident appeared to be accidental, resulting from improper handling of the stored explosives.

Prosecutors in Viacha have launched a probe into possible manslaughter and other offences, alongside a separate inquiry into how the explosive materials were being stored.

President Paz added that the armed forces are reassessing their safety procedures to better protect both military personnel and civilians living near army installations.