# Two Soldiers Dead, 14 Missing Following Explosions at Bolivian Army Base

*Two soldiers died and 14 are missing after two powerful explosions at a military base in Bolivia.*

September 6, 2026 · World

Two soldiers were killed and at least 14 remain missing after two powerful explosions rocked a military base in Viacha, Bolivia. The blasts, which occurred on Friday afternoon, also injured more than 80 people. The base, located 30 kilometers southwest of La Paz, is used for storing explosives.

The explosions caused significant damage in the area, with streets littered with rubble and windows in nearby buildings shattered. Colonel Antonio Amaru, the base commander, confirmed that 14 uniformed personnel, including a sergeant and 13 conscripts aged 18 and 19, have not yet been located. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

The deceased soldiers were young men serving their first year of mandatory military service. The cause of the explosions is under investigation. Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano reported that the first explosion involved "black powder, corresponding to pyrotechnic material stored at the site," while the cause of the second, larger explosion is still being analyzed.

Distraught relatives and community members gathered near the base, with some attempting to force their way in to search for their loved ones. Adolfo Copa, a relative of one of the missing, expressed frustration, stating, "They haven't moved even a single stone, not even a bit of cement, they haven’t moved anything. My nephew is still inside the rubble."

President Rodrigo Paz has ordered a "thorough, technical and transparent" investigation into the incident. He expressed deep solidarity with the affected families and residents, emphasizing the need to establish the causes and verify compliance with safety protocols. Authorities in Viacha have declared three days of mourning, and the public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into manslaughter and other crimes.

The incident has caused widespread concern and highlights the importance of stringent safety measures in military facilities. For Bangladesh, which also has mandatory military service in certain contexts, the event underscores the need for robust safety protocols to protect service members and surrounding communities.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/world/two-dead-14-missing-bolivia-army-base-blasts