By Trend News Line 2024-05-26 02:39:02.
Details of the Incident
In a shocking turn of events, a volunteer firefighter and a former forestry official in Chile have been detained for their alleged involvement in planning and causing a devastating forest fire in the Valparaiso region. This tragic incident resulted in 137 deaths and left 16,000 people homeless back in February.
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Suspects and Allegations
The main suspect, Francisco Mondaca, a 22-year-old volunteer firefighter in Valparaiso, is accused of physically starting the fire. Authorities found flares and fireworks in Mondaca’s vehicle, pointing to his involvement in the crime. The other suspect, Franco Pinto, a former employee of the National Forest Corporation, is believed to have planned the heinous act.
Motive Behind the Plot
According to prosecutors, Mondaca’s testimony suggested an economic motive behind the plot. The suspects allegedly agreed in advance to carry out the crime when weather conditions were favourable, with the intention of generating more work in fighting fires. Investigators have not ruled out the possibility of more individuals being involved in the scheme.
Reactions from Authorities
The commander of the Valparaiso Fire Department, Vicente Maggiolo, expressed dismay over the situation but emphasised that it was an isolated incident that should not overshadow the department’s longstanding commitment to saving lives. Christian Little, executive director of the forestry department, described the detention of a former official as a painful development for the agency. Both departments have pledged to tighten their hiring procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Impact of the Megafire
The devastating megafire, which began in the Lago Peñuelas nature reserve in central Chile, burned several communes and destroyed over 10,000 homes. This tragic event is considered the worst disaster in Chile since the 2010 earthquake that claimed over 500 lives. The aftermath of the fire left a trail of destruction and devastation in its wake, affecting countless lives and communities in the region.
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This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of wildfires and the importance of vigilance in preventing such tragedies. The authorities continue to investigate the case to bring justice to the victims and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions..
Chile accuses volunteer firefighter and ex-forestry official with causing huge fire that killed – WCIA.com.
