14 soldiers missing after explosions at military base in Bolivia
In the city of Viacha, Bolivia, at least 14 servicemen have still not been found after two explosions at a military base. Two young men in their first year of compulsory military service were killed in the incident, while more than 80 others were injured, Korea Herald reports, citing AFP.
The explosions occurred on Friday afternoon at a facility where explosives were stored. Viacha is located about 30 kilometers southwest of Bolivia's capital, La Paz.
A sergeant and conscripts among those missing
Base commander Colonel Antonio Amaru said that 14 military personnel were in the impact zone of the two explosions and have still not been found. The missing include a sergeant and 13 conscripts aged 18 and 19. Search and rescue operations are continuing at the base.
Military police established a security perimeter around the facility to prevent crowds from gathering. Some representatives of the Indigenous Aymara people asked military personnel about the fate of their relatives, while some people attempted to enter the base grounds.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Dozens of homes damaged
The blast wave tore off roofs, knocked down trees and scattered stones, damaging dozens of homes near the base. Debris remained on the streets, while windows were shattered in neighboring buildings. Residents of the area were evacuated to temporary shelter.
Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said it is still unsafe for people to return to their homes because of damage caused by the blast wave. Electricity supplies were cut off in the affected area, and dozens of police officers were deployed.
According to Justiniano, the first explosion was linked to black powder, consistent with pyrotechnic material stored at the facility. The cause of the second, more powerful explosion is being determined. Viacha's prosecutor's office opened an investigation into negligent homicide and other possible crimes, while local authorities declared three days of mourning.
