**At Least Two Killed and 81 Injured After Explosions at Bolivian Army Base**
*Viacha, Bolivia – September 5, 2026* – A tragic incident at the RAM-2 “Bolívar” General Maintenance Center in Viacha, located southwest of La Paz, has resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals and injuries to 81 others following two significant explosions on Friday. The Bolivian Defence Minister, Ernesto Justiniano, confirmed the details of the incident during a press briefing.
According to Justiniano, the first explosion was attributed to "black powder from pyrotechnic material stored at the site." The second explosion, which was described as "much larger," is currently under investigation. The Defence Minister emphasized that no weaponry was detonated during the incident, focusing instead on the pyrotechnic materials involved.
In the aftermath of the explosions, authorities have prioritized the safety of the local population and the care of the injured. Justiniano stated, "The most important thing tonight is to protect people, attend to the injured, continue the search for those who have not yet been located, and ensure that families can return to their homes only when conditions are safe." Reports indicate that seven individuals remain unaccounted for following the blasts.
Social media footage reportedly capturing one of the explosions shows a massive blast accompanied by a significant plume of smoke rising into the sky, highlighting the severity of the incident.
In response to the tragedy, Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and those injured. He stated on X, "I have also ordered a thorough, technical, and transparent investigation into what happened. We must establish with absolute clarity the causes of this incident, verify compliance with safety protocols, and determine who is responsible."
As the investigation proceeds, the Bolivian government is facing pressure to ensure accountability and to enhance safety measures at military facilities, particularly those involved in the storage of potentially hazardous materials. The community remains on high alert as authorities work to provide support and information to those affected by the explosions.
This incident marks a significant event in Bolivia, raising concerns about safety protocols at military installations and the handling of pyrotechnic materials. The government’s response and the outcomes of the ongoing investigation will be closely monitored by both the public and international observers.