Bolivian blast death toll rises to 7, rescuers search for missing soldiers
President Rodrigo Paz declares national mourning, urges unity after deadly military base explosions near La Paz.
The death toll from explosions at a military base in Bolivia has risen to seven, as rescue teams continue searching for people still missing three days after the blasts.
Bolivian army Commander Hector Alarcon said on Monday that seven people remain unaccounted for after the explosions at a military barracks in Viacha, about 30km (20 miles) southwest of La Paz.
“Our priority remains finding our comrades who are still missing and providing answers to their families as soon as possible,” Alarcon said.
Prosecutors in Viacha have opened an investigation into possible manslaughter and other crimes, while investigators are also looking into how the explosives were stored.