At least 10 people were killed and 58 others injured in a massive explosion at a military base in Bolivia on Friday, September 4.

The blast occurred at the Regimiento 2 Bolívar military installation in the city of Viacha, located in the La Paz department.

According to local health official Rita Nebraska, the death toll could rise to between 10 and 15 as search and rescue operations continue.

Casualties and Response
The injured include both civilians and military personnel. Bolivian Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano reported that 52 civilians and six soldiers were among the wounded.

The explosion reportedly took place in an area of the facility used for storing fireworks or explosive materials.

The exact cause of the blast remains unconfirmed, prompting authorities to launch a formal investigation into the incident and safety storage protocols.

Impact and Aftermath
The sheer force of the explosion sent shockwaves through surrounding neighborhoods, shattering windows in nearby homes and causing structural damage to the facility.

Ambulances and security forces rushed to the scene immediately, securing the perimeter and urging residents to stay away as a precaution against secondary risks.

Witnesses reported two distinct blasts, with the second explosion being significantly more powerful.

Broader Context
The tragedy coincides with an ongoing separate investigation into missing military equipment in Bolivia.

Earlier this week, the Defense Ministry disclosed that 33,608 rounds of 5.56×45mm ammunition went missing from a warehouse at a military regiment in the Santa Cruz department.

Authorities have not yet stated whether there is any connection between the missing ammunition and the Viacha explosion.