At least ten people were killed and dozens more injured on Friday when an explosion ripped through a military barracks in the Bolivian municipality of Viacha, about 30 km (19 miles) from La Paz, local authorities reported.

What happened

The blast struck around 2:30 p.m. local time in an area used to store pyrotechnic material. While investigators have not yet determined a definitive cause, officials said the explosion appears to have originated from the defense ministry’s fireworks stockpile.

Casualties and response

Viacha health director Rita Nebraska told local television that between 10 and 15 people are believed to have died, and 62 people were injured. Fourteen of the wounded, including a girl with third‑degree burns, were transferred to hospitals in La Paz.

Police said more than 50 people were injured overall and dozens of homes suffered damage, primarily from shattered windows caused by the blast. Ambulances, medical teams and police were dispatched to the military complex to assess damage and evacuate the injured to health centers.

Safety warnings

Nebraska said firefighters warned that a heat source remains at the site, raising the risk of another explosion. Residents were urged to stay at least 150 meters (about 500 feet) away from the area until the danger is fully mitigated.

The incident underscores the hazards of storing large quantities of fireworks and other pyrotechnic materials in populated areas, and authorities are expected to review safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.