A powerful explosion during a standoff between rival gold mining groups in northwestern Bolivia has resulted in the tragic loss of at least five lives, including a pregnant woman and an infant.
The incident highlights the escalating territorial disputes among Bolivia’s mining cooperatives, which have turned deadly in a rare occurrence.
The blast occurred at the Yani mining camp, located near Sorata, approximately 150 kilometers northwest of La Paz.
Local authorities reported that the remote area is rich in gold deposits, intensifying competition between mining factions.
Reports indicate that the explosion, detonated remotely, led to extensive damage, igniting fires that destroyed multiple structures within the camp.
Col. Gunther Agudo reported revisions to the death toll as rescuers recovered bodies from under the rubble.
The chaos from the explosion underscores the volatile nature of mining operations in Bolivia and raises concerns about safety and law enforcement in these contested areas.