Gas explosion at Bolivia carnival kills 6

Six people have been killed and dozens are injured after a street vendor's gas canister exploded near the route of the world renowned folkloric Carnival in the Bolivian city of Oruro.

Deputy Commander Freddy Betancurt says the blast took place on a street parallel to where participants were making the folkloric entrance to Oruro'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.

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