Explosions at Viacha barracks: Public Prosecutor investigates negligent homicide and prepares summonses
Nine dead and 84 wounded following explosions on 4 September at the Bolívar regiment in Viacha. The Public Prosecutor's office opened an investigation into negligent homicide and negligent injury.
Public Prosecutor establishes commissions and announces summonses following Viacha tragedy
The Bolivian Public Prosecutor's office opened an investigation into negligent homicide, negligent injury and other damage resulting from the explosions that struck the Bolívar barracks in the city of Viacha, in the department of La Paz, on Friday, 4 September, according to El Deber.
The Attorney General of the State, Róger Mariaca, confirmed the establishment of two commissions: one comprising prosecutors headed by the departmental prosecutor of La Paz, and another from the Institute of Forensic Investigation (IDIF). "We have forensic experts in genetics and with knowledge of explosives, who today are working hand in hand with the Bolivian Police to clarify this event that has brought mourning to all of Bolivia," Mariaca stated.
The two explosions—the second being greater in magnitude than the first—occurred within the Bolívar regiment during the afternoon of Friday. The blast wave damaged homes several blocks around. To date, nine bodies have been recovered and five people remain missing; another 84 were wounded.
Mariaca cautioned that the investigation could be expanded to other criminal charges as the process progresses. Shortly, he said, "different people will certainly be summoned" to provide their witness statements to the Public Prosecutor's office.
The cause of the explosions remains undetermined. "To state now what caused it would be irresponsible on the part of the Public Ministry, but we are working on the investigation," the Attorney General stressed.
Source: El Deber