VIACHA, Bolivia — At least 10 people died and 62 others were injured in an explosion at a military complex in Viacha, Bolivia, Friday, local authorities say.
The blast occurred at about 2:30 p.m. local time (1830 GMT) in a pyrotechnic storage zone at a Defence Ministry facility, Reuters reported. An investigation was under way into the cause of the explosion.
Local television quoted Rita Nebraska, the health director of Viacha, as saying it was believed that between 10 and 15 people had died. Fourteen of the injured were taken to hospitals in La Paz, including a girl with third-degree burns.
The blast damaged homes in the area, and police said many of the properties had shattered windows. Emergency crews, including firemen, ambulances and medical teams, were dispatched to the military complex to assess the damage and assist the injured.
Authorities also warned residents to stay at least 150 metres (about 490 feet) from the site, citing the risk of another explosion from a remaining heat source.
The military complex is some 30 km (19 miles) from La Paz, at Viacha.
Local authorities have announced three days of mourning as emergency teams continue to respond.
