By Trend News Line 2024-05-26 01:48:00.
Arson Suspects Arrested in Connection with Devastating Chilean Forest Fire
In a shocking turn of events, a volunteer firefighter and a former forestry official have been detained in Chile for allegedly planning and causing a massive forest fire in the Valparaiso region earlier this year. The fire tragically resulted in 137 deaths and left 16,000 people homeless, marking one of the worst tragedies in Chile in recent years.
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Suspects identified and Detained
The suspects, Francisco Mondaca and Franco Pinto, were arrested following an investigation by authorities. Mondaca, a 22-year-old volunteer firefighter, is believed to have physically started the fire, with evidence of flares and fireworks found in his vehicle. Pinto, a former employee of the National Forest Corporation, is accused of planning the crime.
Motive Behind the Plot
Investigators have revealed that there was an economic motive behind the arson plot, as it would create more work in fighting fires. The two suspects allegedly agreed in advance to carry out the crime when weather conditions were suitable. Prosecutors have not ruled out the involvement of additional individuals in the scheme.
Reactions from Authorities
The chief prosecutor in the case, Osvaldo Ossandón, expressed shock at the situation, while the commander of the Valparaiso Fire Department, Vicente Maggiolo, labeled it as an isolated incident that should not tarnish the department’s reputation. Christian Little, executive director of the forestry department, described the arrest of a former official as a painful development for the agency.
Impact of the Megafire
The devastating forest fire began in the Lago Peñuelas nature reserve in central Chile and quickly spread to surrounding areas, destroying over 10,000 homes and causing widespread devastation. The incident has been described as Chile’s worst tragedy since the 2010 earthquake that claimed over 500 lives.
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Both the fire department and forestry agency have pledged to enhance their hiring procedures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover further details about the arson plot and bring justice to the victims and their families.
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Chile wildfire volunteer firefighter ex-forestry official accused causing huge fire killed people.
