– Chilean volunteer firefighter
– Ex-forestry official in Chile.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
In a shocking turn of events, a Chilean judge in Valparaiso has ordered the detention of a volunteer firefighter and a former forestry official for their alleged involvement in a devastating forest fire that claimed 137 lives and left 16,000 people homeless in February.
Suspects Detained for Investigation
The court ruling in Valparaiso has granted authorities the right to detain the two men for 180 days as they continue their investigation into the tragic incident. The main suspect, Francisco Mondaca, a 22-year-old volunteer firefighter, is accused of physically starting the fire and was found with flares and fireworks in his possession. The second suspect, Franco Pinto, a former employee of the National Forest Corporation, is believed to have planned the crime.
Evidence of Pre-planned Crime
Regional prosecutor Claudia Perivancich revealed that investigators have substantial evidence suggesting that Mondaca and Pinto had premeditated the forest fire, agreeing to carry out the act under specific weather conditions. The motive behind their actions is believed to be economic, with Mondaca allegedly seeking to create more work in firefighting.
Reactions from Authorities
Commander Vicente Maggiolo of the Valparaiso Fire Department expressed dismay over the situation, emphasizing 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 and pledged to tighten hiring procedures.
Tragic Consequences of the Megafire
The catastrophic fire, which began in the Lago Peñuelas nature reserve in central Chile, ravaged several communes and destroyed over 10,000 homes. Regarded as Chile’s worst tragedy since the 2010 earthquake that claimed over 500 lives, the megafire has left a lasting impact on the region.
As the investigation unfolds, the people of Valparaiso and Chile as a whole await further details on the motives behind this heinous act and justice for the victims of the devastating forest fire.
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Chile accuses volunteer firefighter ex-forestry official causing huge fire killed Chile accuses volunteer firefighter ex-forestry official causing massive fire killed.
