Bolivia military base blast death toll rises to nine

The death toll from explosions at a military base in Bolivia has risen to nine, with rescue teams continuing to search for people still missing three days after the blasts.

The Ministry of Defence said a ninth body was recovered from the rubble on Monday afternoon and taken to the morgue for identification.

Earlier on Monday, Bolivian Army Commander Hector Alarcon said seven people remained unaccounted for following the explosions at a military barracks in Viacha, around 30 km southwest of La Paz.

Health Minister Marcela Flores said 84 people had received medical treatment following the blasts, while 31 remained hospitalised.

The explosions occurred around 2.30 pm local time on Friday in an area of the military facility used to store pyrotechnic material. Authorities had earlier said the site also housed confiscated fireworks, grenades and TNT-based explosives.

The cause of the blasts remains under investigation. President Rodrigo Paz, however, said the explosions appeared to have resulted from an accident involving the improper handling of explosives stored at the base.

Prosecutors in Viacha have launched an investigation into possible manslaughter and other offences. Authorities are also examining how the explosives were stored at the facility.

“Our Armed Forces are reviewing their protocols, and everything needed to provide greater safety, not only for enlisted personnel and officers, but also for nearby residents living close to military bases,” Paz said.

Paz declared a period of national mourning and appealed to people not to politicise the tragedy.

The explosions sent debris across the surrounding area, damaging dozens of homes, tearing off roofs and uprooting trees. Videos shared on social media showed windows breaking and thick black smoke rising from the military facility.

Residents from nearby areas were moved to a temporary shelter following the blasts. Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano said on Saturday that some residents could not yet return because the shockwave had damaged their homes.

Many of those initially reported missing were young conscripts aged 18 and 19 who were undergoing Bolivia's mandatory military service. At least two of those confirmed dead were also first-year conscripts.

Former President Evo Morales criticised the Paz government over its handling of the disaster and called for the matter to be taken to the International Criminal Court.  (with inputs from media organisation)