Bolivian Army charges former Defense Minister Novillo over Viacha explosions

The Bolivian Army has filed criminal charges against former Defense Minister Edmundo Novillo for involuntary manslaughter and breach of duty following explosions at the Regimiento Bolívar in Viacha. Army Commander General Héctor Alarcón stated the complaint is supported by a September 2025 report that warned of the “real and imminent threat” posed by decomposing pyrotechnic and explosive materials stored at the facility.

The report, which was reportedly submitted to Novillo during his tenure under the Luis Arce administration, detailed structural damage to the materials, deteriorated packaging, and chemical alterations. The military had recommended the immediate deactivation, incineration, and removal of the explosives to prevent such a disaster.

The explosions, which occurred in early September, resulted in at least nine deaths, over 80 injuries, and five missing persons. Families of the missing continue to wait for DNA results to identify remains found during search operations. The Public Ministry is now investigating the extent to which the failure to act on these warnings contributed to the tragedy.