As a result of an explosion at a pyrotechnic materials warehouse on the territory of the General Maintenance Center for Military Equipment of the Bolivar artillery regiment in the Bolivian city of Viacha, 58 people were injured. This was announced on September 4 by the country’s Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano Urenda.
“At the moment, 58 victims have been confirmed: 52 civilians and six military personnel who have been treated and reported by various medical centers in Viacha,” he stated.
The incident occurred in the afternoon. Immediately after the explosion, emergency response mechanisms were activated, evacuation and medical assistance to the victims were organized. Rescue services continue to work at the scene, searching and examining the area among the debris.
“There are preliminary reports of possible deaths, but I want to be responsible: we will not report any death figures until this information is fully confirmed,” Urenda said.
The authorities have ordered measures to ensure protection and isolation of the damaged area, maintain necessary funds for medical assistance to injured individuals, support families of victims and residents in nearby areas, and conduct a full damage assessment. A technical investigation is underway to determine the causes of the explosion, conditions under which materials were stored, and potential responsibility involved. Urenda emphasized that the priority at this stage remains assistance to victims and continuation of search operations.
Additionally, a powerful explosion occurred at a factory in Kopeisk with the death toll rising to 12 people. Another incident took place near the Bulgarian city of Tryavna on August 10, where an explosion was caused by a truck that caught fire, resulting in approximately 300 evacuations and no reported victims.
