At least 10 people have been killed and dozens injured after two major explosions struck the military camp, RAM-2 “Bolivar”, in the town of Viacha. At least 10 people have died and dozens more have been injured in two major explosions that struck the military camp RAM-2 “Bolivar” in the town of Viacha. The double detonation took place around 2.30 p.m. local time on Friday at the Bolivian Army facility, 22km southwest of the city of La Paz.

The first explosion was a black-powder equivalent to pyrotechnic materials used for the preparation of explosives, said officials from the Ministry of Defense, including Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano. The first explosion was quickly followed by a much larger second explosion that resulted in extensive property damage and unsecured ordnance being left behind within 1 km of the initial detonation.

A mass casualty emergency response was immediately begun by medical staff and local authorities. Meanwhile, military sources say there are 10-15 fatalities overall, with the death toll likely to rise after the army dispatched its teams to conduct a thorough investigation, said Viacha Health Director Rita Nebraska, working under the Ministry of Health and Sports.

Sixty-two patients were taken to a local hospital immediately after the blasts. Fourteen persons were sent to specialized facilities in La Paz, including 10 members of the military which were directed to a military hospital for further treatment.

Ahead of the calamity, President Rodrigo Paz said he was deeply saddened by the tragedy and wished to express his condolences to the victims and their families. He expressed his commitment to accountability and ordered a transparent and thorough investigation into the incident done under his Presidency in Bolivia. The President said that the wider Government of Bolivia will not make assumptions or speculate about the official responsibility. At the same time, the Municipality of Viacha declared three official days of mourning, in accordance with the grieving community.