Former Chilean President Sebastian Pinera killed in helicopter crash: Report

Former Chilean President Sebastián Piñera tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash on February 6, 2024, at the age of 74. The accident occurred near the town of Lago Ranco in southern Chile, a region known for its challenging weather conditions, which were reportedly rainy and foggy on the day of the crash.

Piñera, a significant figure in Chilean politics who served as president during two non-consecutive terms from 2010-2014 and 2018-2022, was piloting a Robinson R 66 helicopter when it crashed approximately 920 kilometers south of Santiago.

The crash resulted in the death of Piñera and injuries to three other individuals. Local media and Chile’s national disaster agency, SENAPRAD, confirmed the incident. Reports suggest that Piñera had just left the house of his friend José Cox when the tragedy struck.

The accident has elicited condolences and expressions of sorrow from various political figures and organizations worldwide, including Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou and former Argentine President Mauricio Macri, who remembered Piñera for his commitment to Chile and the values of freedom and democracy in Latin America.

Piñera’s political career was notable not only for his leadership during challenging times, including the period of intense social protests against inequality in Chile but also for his role as a founding member of the Renovación Nacional party. His tenure as president was marked by efforts to address the nation’s social and economic challenges, including initiating reforms in response to the mass protests.

The loss of Sebastián Piñera is being mourned across Chile and by the international community, reflecting on his contributions to the nation’s political landscape and the broader Latin American region.