– Volunteer firefighter accused of starting massive deadly fire
– Ex-forestry official linked to starting fatal blaze in Chile.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
By PATRICIA LUNA
Associated Press
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — In a shocking development, a Chilean judge has taken a significant step in the investigation of a devastating forest fire that claimed the lives of 137 people and left 16,000 individuals homeless back in February. The court in Valparaiso has decided to detain a volunteer firefighter and a former forestry official suspected of orchestrating and carrying out the catastrophic blaze.
The judge’s ruling, issued on Saturday, allows for the two suspects to be held for a period of 180 days while authorities conduct a thorough investigation into their alleged involvement in the tragic incident. The chief prosecutor leading the case has named Francisco Mondaca, a 22-year-old volunteer firefighter from Valparaiso, as the main suspect believed to have physically ignited the fire. Shockingly, authorities reportedly discovered flares and fireworks inside Mondaca’s vehicle, further implicating him in the crime. The second suspect, identified as Franco Pinto, a former employee of the National Forest Corporation, is accused of being the mastermind behind the heinous act.
The Allegations
According to the prosecutor, Mondaca is suspected of directly starting the forest fire, which quickly spiraled out of control and led to the tragic loss of life and destruction of property. The presence of flares and fireworks in his possession has raised serious concerns about his intentions and potential motives for initiating such a catastrophic event. Pinto, on the other hand, is alleged to have played a key role in planning and orchestrating the fire, using his knowledge and access to forestry resources to carry out the devastating act.
Community Response
The news of the suspects’ detention has sent shockwaves through the local community, as residents come to terms with the horrifying reality that the forest fire, which caused immense suffering and loss, may have been deliberately set. The decision to detain the two individuals has sparked a renewed sense of urgency in the quest for justice and accountability for the victims and their families.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the tragic events of that fateful day in February. The detainment of the volunteer firefighter and former forestry official marks a significant development in the case, bringing hope for closure and justice for those impacted by the devastating forest fire.
Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation progresses and more details emerge about the alleged involvement of the suspects in this heartbreaking tragedy.
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Chile volunteer firefighter accuses ex-forestry official of causing massive deadly fire
Chile volunteer firefighter blames former forestry official for devastating fatal blaze.
