Bolivia Military base blast kills seven, seven still missing

Bolivian authorities have confirmed that seven people were killed in an explosion at a military barracks in Viacha, about 30km (20 miles) from La Paz, on Friday.

Army Commander Hector Alarcón said at a press conference on Monday that seven others remained missing as rescue teams continued searching for those unaccounted for.

“Our priority remains finding our comrades who are still missing and providing answers to their families as soon as possible,” Alarcón said.

Health Minister Marcela Flores said 84 people had received medical treatment following the blast, while 31 patients were still being treated in hospital.

President Rodrigo Paz said investigations into the cause of the explosion were ongoing, although initial indications suggested it may have been an accident resulting from the improper handling of explosives stored at the military facility.

Paz said the Armed Forces were reviewing their safety procedures to protect military personnel as well as residents living near military installations.

He also declared a period of national mourning and appealed to the public to refrain from politicising the tragedy.

The explosion occurred at about 2:30 p.m. (18:30 GMT) on Friday in an area of the barracks where pyrotechnic materials were stored, according to authorities.

Source: Reuters