A devastating series of explosions at a military base in the Bolivian town of Viacha has left at least two people dead and over 80 injured. The incident, which occurred on Friday afternoon just 30 kilometers from La Paz, has triggered an urgent search-and-rescue mission. Military officials confirmed that 14 individuals—consisting of a sergeant and 13 young conscripts—remain unaccounted for, despite initial reports suggesting a lower number of missing persons.

Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano reported that the first blast was likely caused by black powder stored at the site, while the origins of the subsequent, more powerful explosion remain under official investigation. The disaster has highlighted critical infrastructure gaps in the region; local Mayor Jenrry Patzi expressed deep frustration, noting that the city of 114,000 residents lacks even a secondary-level hospital to manage a medical crisis of this magnitude. Efforts to locate the missing personnel continue as the community grapples with the aftermath of the catastrophe.