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Viacha military base explosions: political fallout grows

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2026-09-10 01:01 UTC → 2026-09-10 01:04 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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