Explosions at Bolívar Regiment in Viacha: special commission investigates involuntary homicide
A commission of prosecutors and forensic experts from the IDIF is investigating the explosions of 4 September in Viacha that left nine dead and 84 wounded.
Prosecutors form specialised team following explosions at Viacha barracks
State prosecutor general Roger Mariaca announced on Tuesday that a special commission of prosecutors and forensic experts is investigating the explosions recorded on 4 September at the Bolívar Regiment, located in the municipality of Viacha, La Paz department, according to abi.bo.
The investigation was opened on the grounds of involuntary homicide, involuntary injury and other crimes of damage. Mariaca stated at a press conference that the scope of the case could be expanded "as the investigation proceeds".
The commission is headed by the La Paz Departmental Prosecutor and includes forensic experts from the Institute of Forensic Investigation (IDIF) specialising in genetics and explosives. "Today they are working hand in hand with the Bolivian Police to clarify this tragic incident," said Mariaca.
The prosecutor general explained that the team would summon various individuals as data collection progressed, and that the commission could be expanded depending on the information gathered.
Regarding the causes of the disaster, Mariaca clarified that inside the regiment there was military material, including black powder that had been confiscated at the time, as well as blunt force objects which, he indicated, "caused the deaths of the nine fatalities".
The two explosions occurred on Friday, 4 September and resulted in 84 wounded. Of that total, 53 had already been discharged from hospital and 31 remain admitted, according to data from the Ministry of Health and Sports.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the recovery of nine bodies, although it noted that there are still missing persons. The search continues in coordination between the Fire Department, the Public Ministry, the Bolivian Police and personnel from the IDIF.
Source: Google News BO — La Paz