Seven people died after an explosion on Friday at a military barracks in the Bolivian municipality of Viacha, about 30 km. from La Paz, Bolivian authorities confirmed on Monday.

Bolivian Army Commander Hector Alarcón said in a press conference that seven people were still missing.

"Our priority remains finding our comrades who are still missing and providing answers to their families as soon as possible," Alarcón said.

Bolivian Health Minister Marcela Flores said 84 patients have been treated since the blast on Friday, and 31 people remain hospitalized.

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz said the cause of the blast was under investigation, but appeared to have been an accident caused by the improper handling of explosives stored at the military facility.

Guillermo Castro turns on a light in one of the rooms of his home that were visibly damaged, a day after loud explosions that left people dead and injured at a military barracks, in Viacha, Bolivia, September 5, 2026.
Guillermo Castro turns on a light in one of the rooms of his home that were visibly damaged, a day after loud explosions that left people dead and injured at a military barracks, in Viacha, Bolivia, September 5, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/Claudia Morales)

"Our armed forces are reviewing their protocols, and everything needed to provide greater safety, not only for enlisted personnel and officers, but also for nearby residents living close to military bases," Paz said.

National mourning period announced by Bolivian president

He also announced a period of national mourning and urged people not to politicize the tragedy.

The blast occurred at around 2:30 p.m. local time on Friday in an area used to store pyrotechnic material, authorities said.