Image source, ReutersAt least two people have been killed after an explosion at a military barracks in Bolivia but authorities fear the toll could be higher.
Bolivian Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano said at least 58 people had been injured when “pyrotechnic material” detonated at the barracks, where an artillery regiment is stationed, about 14:30 (18:30 GMT) on Friday.
Health official Rita Nebraska told local television between 10 and 15 people were believed to have died in the incident in Viacha, about 30km (19 miles) from La Paz, according to Reuters.
Police said dozens of homes had been damaged – largely windows shattered in the blast – and emergency workers are searching the rubble.
Nebraska said there was a risk of further explosion and urged people to stay at least 150m away from the military base.
Police spokesman Roger Roca told AFP news agency that fireworks had been stored at the barracks, and the cause of the blast remained under investigation.
Viacha’s authorities have declared three days of mourning.
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