Bolivia military base blasts kill seven, rescue search continues

President Rodrigo Paz announced a period of national mourning on Thursday after a series of explosions ripped through a military installation on the outskirts of La Paz, killing at least 27 soldiers and wounding dozens more. The blasts, which officials say were caused by an accidental detonation of stored munitions, struck the 5th Infantry Brigade’s ammunition depot during routine maintenance, prompting an immediate emergency response that included fire crews, medical teams and security forces to secure the site and prevent further casualties.

In a televised address, President Paz urged citizens to remain calm and united, emphasizing that the tragedy underscores the need for stricter safety protocols within the armed forces and for continued support of the families affected. He ordered flags to be flown at half‑mast nationwide and directed the Ministry of Defense to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident’s causes, while pledging that the government will allocate additional resources for medical care and compensation for the victims. The president’s call for solidarity aims to reinforce national cohesion as the country mourns the loss and works toward preventing similar accidents in the future.