In a move that definitely wasn't in the training manual, a military barracks in Bolivia experienced an unscheduled and rather dramatic pyrotechnic event on Friday, leaving at least two people dead and many more injured. The blast, caused by the detonation of "pyrotechnic material" at an artillery regiment base in Viacha, about 30km (19 miles) from La Paz, occurred at approximately 14:30 local time (18:30 GMT). Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano confirmed at least 81 injuries, while health official Rita Nebraska, with the kind of optimism only a government official can muster, told local TV that the death toll could be between 10 and 15.

As if the explosion itself wasn't enough of a party trick, police reported that dozens of homes in the vicinity were damaged, and emergency workers are now sifting through the rubble like archaeologists at a particularly chaotic dig. Nebraska, ever the voice of caution, warned of a potential second explosion and advised people to stay at least 150m away - presumably to avoid becoming an unwitting extra in the sequel.

Among the 14 missing are a sergeant and 13 conscripted soldiers, aged 18 to 19, according to base commander Colonel Antonio Amaru. Because nothing says "military readiness" like teenagers going missing after a fireworks mishap. President Rodrigo Paz expressed his "deepest solidarity" with affected families and promised a "thorough, technical and transparent investigation," which in political parlance often means "we'll look into it after the next crisis."

Police spokesman Roger Roca noted that fireworks were stored at the barracks - because why not? - and the cause remains under investigation. In the meantime, Viacha has declared three days of mourning, giving everyone ample time to reflect on the wisdom of keeping explosives near young conscripts and residential areas alike.