Explosion at Bolivia military barracks kills at least two, toll may climb

An explosion at a military barracks in Viacha, Bolivia, about 30 kilometers from La Paz, killed at least two people and injured dozens, while local health officials said the eventual death toll could reach 10 to 15. Authorities said the blasts occurred around 2:30 p.m. Friday at a facility storing fireworks or other pyrotechnic materials, with a second, more powerful explosion reportedly following the first. Officials gave varying casualty figures as rescue teams cleared debris, with reports ranging from 62 to 81 injured and seven people still missing. Fourteen critically injured people, including soldiers and a child with severe burns, were transferred to hospitals in La Paz. The blast damaged nearby homes, scattered ammunition and explosives, and prompted warnings that additional explosions remained possible. Authorities declared mourning and said a technical investigation would determine the cause.