LA PAZ, Bolivia: A Bolivia army base blast killed two people, injured more than 80 and left 14 soldiers missing after explosions struck a military facility in Viacha, officials said Saturday.
The explosions occurred Friday afternoon at a base where authorities store explosives. Viacha lies about 30 kilometres southwest of La Paz.
Base commander Colonel Antonio Amaru said rescuers were searching for 14 military personnel who had not been located. The Ministry of Defence identified them as one sergeant and 13 conscripts aged 18 and 19.
The two people killed were young men serving their first year of mandatory military service. Authorities were still investigating the cause of the explosions.
Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano said the first blast involved black powder linked to pyrotechnic material stored at the site. Investigators were still examining the cause of the larger second explosion.
Read: Bolivia State Of Emergency Declared After 50 Days Of Protests
The force of the blasts damaged dozens of nearby homes. Roofs were torn away, windows shattered, and trees uprooted.
Relatives gathered outside the base seeking information about missing soldiers. Some confronted police blocking access to the compound as rescue operations continued.
President Rodrigo Paz ordered what he called a thorough and transparent investigation. He said authorities must establish the cause, review compliance with safety protocols and determine responsibility.
Read: Bolivia Thwarts Military Coup Attempt; Government Maintains Control
Viacha authorities declared three days of mourning. The local prosecutor’s office also opened an investigation into manslaughter and other possible crimes.
