# Viacha military base explosions: political fallout grows > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/viacha-military-base-explosions-in-bolivia > Updated: 2026-09-08T20:24:34.000Z. Sources: 160. Developments: 4. Two powerful explosions occurred at the RAM-2 ‘Bolívar’ Mechanized Artillery Regiment maintenance center in Viacha, Bolivia, near La Paz. The incident reportedly began with a detonation involving black powder from stored pyrotechnic material, followed by a second explosion of significantly greater magnitude. The facility was reportedly storing seized pyrotechnics, grenades, and TNT. The death toll has risen to at least nine people, including one sergeant and eight conscripts, while six individuals remain missing. The number of injuries has increased to 84, involving military personnel, police, and civilians. The blasts caused extensive structural damage to the military facility and the local community, with reports indicating up to 50 nearby homes suffered severe damage. In response, President Rodrigo Paz declared three days of national mourning. The Bolivian Army ordered soldiers from the Bolívar Regiment to remain at their homes for security and began transferring military material to the Bilbao Regiment for safe custody. While Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano Urenda stated the nature of the second blast remains under investigation, the Public Ministry has launched an investigation into involuntary manslaughter. President Paz has formally requested that the Prosecutor’s Office investigate the possibility of a deliberate attack, noting that while mishandling is a working hypothesis, unverified reports and audio recordings necessitate exploring all possibilities. The Institute of Forensic Investigations (IDIF) has collected 48 bags containing human remains and is requesting genetic samples from families of the missing to assist in identification. Political tensions have escalated following a heated verbal altercation between Vice President Edmand Lara and an Army colonel during a site visit. President Paz criticized Lara’s conduct as having a ‘dangerous dictatorial profile’ and being an offense to the military. Military leadership and the Defense Minister have expressed support for the colonel, stating he was performing his duties by maintaining a security perimeter. ## Claims - Two people are confirmed dead and seven people are reported missing following the explosions. (disputed by 16 sources) - Local health officials estimated between 10 and 15 deaths. (disputed by 15 sources) - The death toll from the explosions has risen to six. (disputed by 8 sources) - The explosion injured 52 civilians and 6 military personnel. (disputed by 7 sources) - The explosions at the Regimiento Bolívar in Viacha resulted in nine deaths and 84 injuries. (disputed by 7 sources) - Between eight and eleven people remain missing. (disputed by 6 sources) - Five people are still reported as missing following the explosions. (disputed by 6 sources) - The death toll rose to three following the discovery of an unidentified male body in the rubble. (disputed by 3 sources) - The Army reported no injuries or fatalities resulting from the explosion. (disputed by 2 sources) - The Ministry of Health recorded 78 injured people. (disputed) - Two successive explosions occurred at a military facility storing pyrotechnic material in Viacha. (corroborated by 30 sources) - The explosions caused significant damage to military infrastructure and nearby homes. (corroborated by 26 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Bolivia: Explosions at Viacha military base leave nine dead and trigger political tension Explosions at a Bolivian military base in Viacha killed nine and injured 84. President Paz has called for an investigation into a possible attack, amid political tension following a clash between the VP and a军官 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bolivian-lawmakers-seek-to-interpellate-defense-minister-after-viacha-explosion ### 2026-09-06: Viacha military base explosions kill at least nine people in Bolivia Explosions at a military base in Viacha, Bolivia, have killed at least nine people and left many missing. The government has declared national mourning as investigations into the cause continue. 30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/viacha-military-base-explosions-leave-six-dead-and-eight-missing ### 2026-09-04: Viacha military base explosions leave three dead and 14 missing Two massive explosions at a military base in Viacha, Bolivia, have killed at least three people and left 14 military personnel missing. Dozens of civilians and soldiers are injured following the blasts. 136 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/viacha-military-regiment-explosion-damages-infrastructure ### 2026-09-04: Viacha explosions claim third victim as Sheinbaum avoids Trump meeting Authorities in Bolivia recovered a third body following explosions in Viacha, while in Mexico, President Sheinbaum faced protests in Colima and avoided a meeting with Donald Trump. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/viacha-explosions-claim-third-victim-as-sheinbaum-avoids-trump-meeting --- Cite as: Viacha military base explosions: political fallout grows. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/viacha-military-base-explosions-in-bolivia