WORLD
Former president of Chile Sebastian Piñera dies in helicopter crash: What we know so far
The incident occurred in the Los Ríos Region and the former president drowned after his craft capsized in Lake Ranco.
The former president of Chile Sebastián Piñera has died at the age of 74. His private helicopter crashed this afternoon in the rural sector of Ilihue, in the town of Lago Ranco, Los Ríos region, with three other occupants, who are reported injured.
According to Radio ADN, the helicopter took off in the middle of a rainy day affecting the area and, after a few minutes of flight, lost lift and fell.
Former President Piñera was aboard the Robinson R44 helicopter. In declarations to TVN, former minister Gerardo Varela confirmed that Piñera left in the morning in the aircraft, together with his friend Ignacio Guerrero, his sister Magdalena Piñera and another person, still unidentified.
Official information on the death of Sebastián Piñera
The office of Sebastián Piñera confirmed the death of the former president in a press release.
“Information about his funeral will be provided in due time. We are grateful for the massive expressions of affection and concern that we have received during these bitter hours,” the letter states.
Interior Minister Carolina Toha confirmed the death of former President Sebastián Piñera and announced that “he will receive all the honors he deserves” at a state funeral.
Earlier, Senapred, the Chilean National Disaster Prevention and Response Service, issued a statement providing details about the plane crash in Lago Ranco, where a helicopter crashed on Tuesday afternoon.
“At this time we report the crash of a helicopter type aircraft in the Iliue sector of the Lago Ranco commune, preliminarily there are three injured and one deceased, emergency personnel and armed forces are attending the scene,” the statement said.
Who was Sebastián Piñera?
Piñera first served as president from 2010 to 2014, representing the center-right National Renewal party. He was succeeded by Michelle Bachelet. He was then re-elected as president in December 2017, succeeding Bachelet for a second non-consecutive term.