137 people : Chile accuses firefighter in deadly blaze

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Chile wildfire investigation
2. Volunteer firefighter arson Chile

A Chilean judge has ordered the detention of a volunteer firefighter and a former forestry official for allegedly planning and causing a massive forest fire in the Valparaiso region, resulting in 137 deaths and displacing 16,000 people in February. The suspects, Francisco Mondaca and Franco Pinto, are accused of physically starting the fire and planning the crime, respectively. Investigators have evidence that the two men conspired in advance to carry out the act. The incident, described as isolated, has led to calls for tighter hiring procedures in both the fire department and forestry agency. The megafire, which began in a nature reserve, is considered Chile’s worst tragedy since a devastating earthquake in 2010.

Chilean Judge Orders Detention of Suspects in Valparaiso Forest Fire Tragedy

A Chilean judge has taken a significant step in the investigation into the devastating forest fire that ravaged the Valparaiso region, causing immense loss of life and property. The court in Valparaiso has ordered the detention of two individuals who are believed to be involved in planning and causing the mammoth fire that resulted in 137 deaths and left 16,000 people homeless in February.

Suspects identified and Detained

The two suspects, a volunteer firefighter named Francisco Mondaca and a former forestry official named Franco Pinto, were arrested on Friday following a thorough investigation. The chief prosecutor in the case, Osvaldo Ossandón, revealed that Mondaca is accused of physically starting the fire, with flares and fireworks found in his vehicle. Pinto, on the other hand, is suspected of planning the crime.

Evidence of Pre-Meditation

According to regional prosecutor Claudia Perivancich, investigators have uncovered evidence that Mondaca and Pinto had premeditated the act, agreeing to initiate the fire under specific weather conditions. The motive behind the plot was allegedly economic, aimed at creating more work opportunities in firefighting. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional individuals being involved in the crime.

Reactions from Authorities

The commander of the Valparaiso Fire Department, Vicente Maggiolo, expressed deep dismay over the situation, emphasizing that the incident 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 enhance their hiring procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Devastating Impact

The megafire, which started on February 2 in the Lago Peñuelas nature reserve in central Chile, spread rapidly and engulfed several communes, destroying over 10,000 homes. The magnitude of the tragedy has been likened to Chile’s worst disaster since the devastating earthquake of 2010, which claimed the lives of more than 500 people. The incident has left a lasting impact on the Valparaiso region, highlighting the importance of fire prevention and safety measures.