More than 10 people were killed, and at least 58 others were injured on Friday in the western Bolivian city of Viacha after an explosion at a military base, according to authorities.
The majority of the injured were civilians, Bolivia's Defence Minister, Ernesto Justiniano, said. While the exact death toll was not initially clear, it was estimated to be between 10 and 15, per Viacha health director Rita Nebraska.
The explosion occurred at around 2.30 pm (local time) in an area where fireworks were stored, he wrote on Facebook. Justiniano added that of those injured, 52 were civilians, while the rest were military personnel.
Mobile phone cameras captured the blast and the ensuing chaos as people scrambled for cover.
Meanwhile, footage circulating on social media captured thick plumes of black smoke rising from the defence base, which is located in the city centre.
Ambulances, medical teams and police were deployed to the military complex to assess the damage and evacuate the wounded to health centres.
Justiniano said rescue teams were also assisting the families of the injured. In an earlier statement, his ministry had reported material damage but said no one had been injured.
Police said dozens of homes were damaged due to the shock wave from the blast.
A probe has been initiated into the cause of the blast. Nebraska said firefighters had warned that a heat source remained at the site, raising the risk of another explosion, and urged residents to stay at least 150 meters away.
Viacha, home to roughly 100,000 residents, lies around 30 kilometres (19 miles) southwest of Bolivia’s administrative capital, La Paz.
