At least two dead in blast at Bolivia military barracks

ByDanny Aeberhard and Toby Mann. 5 September 2026, 03: 59 BST.

Key points

• Nebraska remarked there was a risk of a further explosion and called on individuals to stay at least 150m from the military base.
• Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz expressed his "deepest solidarity" with the families of those who had died and had been injured.
• Police spokesman Roger Roca informed news agency AFP that fireworks had been stored at the barracks and the cause of the blast remained under investigation.
• At least two individuals have been killed after an explosion at a military barracks in Bolivia – but authorities fear the toll could be higher.
• Police remarked dozens of homes had been damagedby the blast and that emergency workers were searching the rubble.

Bolivian Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano remarked at least 81 residents had been injured when "pyrotechnic material" detonated at the barracks, where an artillery regiment was stationed, regarding 14: 30 local time (18: 30 GMT) on Friday. Seven others remain missing.

Health official Rita Nebraska informed local television between 10 and 15 residents were believed to have died in the incident in Viacha, regarding 30km (19 miles) from La Paz, according to Reuters.

He wrote on social media that a "thorough, technical and transparent investigation" would take place into what happened.

Police spokesman Roger Roca informed news agency AFP that fireworks had been stored at the barracks and the cause of the blast remained under investigation. Viacha's authorities have declared three days of mourning.

Taken together, the developments around at least two dead in blast at Bolivia military barracks point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.