Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Volunteer firefighter negligence
2. Firefighter arson charges

The devastating fire in Valparaiso, Chile, resulted in 137 deaths and left 16,000 people homeless in February. Two suspects, Francisco Mondaca and Franco Pinto, have been arrested in connection with the fire. Mondaca, a volunteer firefighter, is accused of physically starting the fire, while Pinto, a former employee of the National Forest Corporation, is believed to have planned the crime. Investigators have evidence suggesting the two men collaborated in advance to carry out the act. The fire department and forestry agency have pledged to enhance their hiring processes following the tragic incident, which is considered Chile’s worst tragedy since the 2010 earthquake.

Arson Suspects Arrested in Connection with Deadly Fire in Valparaiso

Authorities in Valparaiso have arrested two suspects in connection with a devastating fire that caused 137 deaths and left 16,000 people homeless in February. The court in Valparaiso has ruled that the two men, Francisco Mondaca and Franco Pinto, can be held for 180 days while investigations are carried out.

Key Suspects in the Case

Chief prosecutor Osvaldo Ossandon identified the main suspect as Francisco Mondaca, a 22-year-old volunteer firefighter in Valparaiso. Mondaca is accused of physically starting the fire, with flares and fireworks found in his vehicle. The other suspect, Franco Pinto, is a former employee of the National Forest Corporation and is accused of planning the crime.

Evidence and Motive

Regional prosecutor Claudia Perivancich stated that investigators have evidence suggesting that the two suspects agreed in advance to carry out the crime when weather conditions were suitable. According to Mondaca’s testimony, there was an economic motive behind the plot, as it would provide more work in fighting fires. Prosecutors have not ruled out the possibility of more people being involved in the incident.

Reactions from Officials

The commander of the Valparaiso Fire Department, Vicente Maggiolo, expressed dismay over the situation but emphasized that it was an isolated incident and should not tarnish the department’s reputation. Christian Little, executive director of the forestry department, described the detention of a former official as a setback for the agency. Both departments have pledged to tighten hiring procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Impact of the Fire

The fire, which began on February 2 in the Lago Penuelas nature reserve in central Chile, burned for several days and destroyed more than 10,000 homes. It is considered Chile’s worst tragedy since a devastating earthquake in 2010 that claimed the lives of over 500 people.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.