At least six people dead after explosion at Bolivian carnival

Six people have been killed and dozens of others injured after a street vendor’s gas canister exploded near the route of Bolivia Carnival in the city of Orura.

Local Deputy Commander Freddy Betancurt said the blast took place on a street parallel to where participants were making the folkloric entrance to Orura's Carnival, one of the most important in Bolivia.

It created an expansive wave of at least 50 metres.

Betancurt said police believe Saturday's accident was caused by hot oil weakening the hose to the vendor's gas canister.

Regional police Commander Romel Rana said the explosion left six people dead and 28 injured.

9news.com.au has contacted DFAT for comment on whether any Australians have been involved.

Orura's Carnival draws tourists from Bolivia and around the world, and was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.

With AP