**Bolivian Blast Death Toll Rises to Seven, Rescue Operations Ongoing**
**Viacha, Bolivia** – The death toll from the explosions at a military base in Viacha, Bolivia, has risen to seven, as rescue teams continue their search for missing soldiers three days after the incident. The blasts occurred on September 5, 2026, at a military facility located approximately 30 kilometers (20 miles) southwest of La Paz.
Bolivian Army Commander Hector Alarcon confirmed on Monday that seven individuals remain unaccounted for following the explosions, which took place in an area designated for the storage of pyrotechnic materials. Health Minister Marcela Flores reported that a total of 84 people have received medical treatment since the blasts, with 31 still hospitalized.
The explosions reportedly originated from a section of the barracks that housed confiscated fireworks, grenades, and TNT-based explosives. While the exact cause of the blasts is still under investigation, President Rodrigo Paz indicated that they appear to be linked to the improper handling of the stored explosives. In light of the incident, prosecutors in Viacha have initiated an investigation into potential manslaughter and other charges related to the tragedy.
“Our priority remains finding our comrades who are still missing and providing answers to their families as soon as possible,” Alarcon stated. He emphasized the ongoing efforts of rescue teams to locate those who have not yet been found.
The explosions not only resulted in casualties but also caused significant damage to the surrounding area. Debris was scattered widely, roofs were torn off buildings, and trees were uprooted, affecting numerous homes in the vicinity. Eyewitness accounts and social media footage captured the aftermath, showing shattered windows and thick black smoke rising from the military facility.
In response to the disaster, President Paz announced a period of national mourning and urged the public not to politicize the tragedy. He stated that the armed forces are reviewing their safety protocols to ensure better protection for both military personnel and nearby residents.
Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano noted that many residents living close to the military base had to be evacuated to temporary shelters due to the unsafe conditions caused by the shockwave from the explosions. He mentioned that it is still not safe for some residents to return home as assessments of the damage continue.
Among those reported missing are young conscripts, aged 18 and 19, who were fulfilling Bolivia's mandatory military service. At least two of the deceased were identified as first-year conscripts. The military community is particularly affected by the incident, as families await news about their loved ones.
Former President Evo Morales has publicly criticized the current administration's handling of the situation, accusing President Paz's government of mismanagement and calling for the matter to be escalated to the International Criminal Court.
As rescue operations persist and investigations unfold, the Bolivian government faces mounting pressure to ensure accountability and improve safety measures at military installations across the country. The focus remains on locating the missing individuals and providing support to the affected families during this tragic time.