Former Chilean President Sebastian Pinera dies in helicopter crash

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Former Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, 74, died Tuesday in a helicopter accident near Lake Ranco in the Los Rios region of southern Chile.

“We have had confirmation from the Carabineros (police force) that the Navy was able to reach the place where the accident occurred and recover the body of former President Sebastian Pinera, who has died,” said Interior Minister Carolina Toha.

“We want to express our shock at this tragedy, send our solidarity to the former president's family and to everyone close to him,” she added.

According to initial information, four people were traveling on the helicopter, including three individuals who were found alive by emergency teams. Authorities have not released the identities of the survivors.

The helicopter managed to advance a few meters when it took off but lost control near the shore of the river. The survivors apparently jumped from the helicopter before it crashed, but Pinera, who was piloting it, could not unbuckle his seatbelt in time.

The helicopter fell to a depth of 40 meters (131 feet) in the river. The government confirmed that the body of the former president was recovered hours later. He was returning after having lunch at the house of businessman Jose Cox.

Police and the Chilean Navy responded to the scene of the incident. It was reported that at the time of the accident, there was heavy rain in the area.

The billionaire businessman and right-wing politician served as president of Chile from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2022.

"We will inform you about the funeral in due course. We appreciate the massive expressions of affection and concern that we have received during these bitter hours," said a statement released by Pinera's office.

The accident occurred when a period of national mourning was declared in the country by President Gabriel Boric after the deaths of more than 130 people in forest fires.

"He will have all the republican honors and recognitions he deserves. President Boric has ordered that a state funeral be held and that national mourning be declared,” Toha said.

World leaders including Uruguay’s President Luis Lacalle Pou, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and former Colombian presidents Ivan Duque, Juan Manuel Santos and Alvaro Uribe sent messages of condolence.