Bolivian military barracks explosion kills at least two, 14 missing

On September 4, 2026, two powerful explosions devastated the RAM-2 "Bolívar" military barracks in Viacha, Bolivia, killing at least two people and injuring up to 81 others. The blasts originated from a defense ministry fireworks and pyrotechnic stockpile. Dozens of nearby homes suffered severe damage, prompting local evacuations and a 150-meter safety cordon. President Rodrigo Paz has ordered a transparent technical investigation into safety protocol compliance, while local officials declared three days of mourning.

Viacha military barracks explosion

• ▪Two successive explosions occurred at the RAM-2 "Bolívar" General Maintenance Center in the Bolivian municipality of Viacha on September 4, 2026
• ▪The first explosion at the Viacha military barracks occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time

Pyrotechnic material storage

• ▪The explosions at the Viacha military barracks originated from a stockpile of pyrotechnic material and fireworks stored at the base
• ▪Bolivian Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano stated that the first explosion involved black powder from stored pyrotechnics, followed by a much larger second detonation
• ▪Bolivian Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano confirmed that no military weaponry of any kind was detonated during the explosions

Casualties missing persons

• ▪The Bolivian defense ministry reported that either seven or 14 soldiers serving at the Viacha base remained missing after the blasts
• ▪Fourteen injured individuals, including a young girl with third-degree burns, were transferred to hospitals in La Paz for treatment
• ▪Viacha health director Rita Nebraska stated that between 10 and 15 people were believed to have died, and 62 people were injured
• ▪At least two people were confirmed dead and 81 others were injured following the explosions at the Viacha military barracks

Civilian property damage

• ▪Viacha health director Rita Nebraska warned that a remaining heat source at the site posed a risk of further explosions, prompting a 150-meter evacuation zone
• ▪Local authorities cut off the power supply in the affected area of Viacha and evacuated residents to a temporary shelter
• ▪The explosions at the Viacha military barracks damaged dozens of nearby homes, shattering windows, breaking ceilings, and scattering debris

Presidential investigation ordered

• ▪Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz ordered a thorough, technical, and transparent investigation to establish the causes of the explosions and verify safety protocol compliance
• ▪Local municipal authorities in Viacha declared three days of official mourning following the deadly explosions

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