An explosion at a military artillery base in Viacha, Bolivia, has tragically claimed the lives of at least 10 individuals and left dozens more injured. The incident occurred on the afternoon of September 4, at the Maintenance Center of the RAM-2 'Bolivar' Artillery Regiment, located approximately 30-35 kilometers southwest of the capital, La Paz.

The explosion took place in an area designated for the training and repair of weapons, igniting a fire and creating shockwaves that shattered windows and damaged nearby homes. Eyewitness accounts and videos shared on social media captured the moment, showing thick black smoke rising from the base before a massive explosion erupted.

Initial reports from the Bolivian Ministry of Defense suggested that the explosion only caused infrastructure damage with no casualties. However, Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano later confirmed that the blast occurred in a fireworks storage area, resulting in at least 58 injuries, with 52 of those being civilians. Local authorities, including the Viacha city government and health officials, reported fatalities and injuries, leading to overwhelmed hospitals in the area.

Rita Nebraska, head of the local health department, informed Noticias Bolivision that approximately 10 to 15 people had died in the explosion. Additionally, Bolivia's Deputy Police Commander Roger Roca announced that at least seven individuals were reported missing following the incident. Rescue teams are currently searching for those trapped in the debris.

The identities of the deceased have not yet been released, but many of those present at the base were conscripted soldiers. Bolivian authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion.