News

Forestry machinery destroyed in arson attack in Contulmo

Sponsors

Carabineros are investigating a suspected arson attack that left two pieces of forestry machinery completely burned in the Biobío Region.

A suspected arson attack at the El Porvenir forestry estate in the town of Contulmo has resulted in the total destruction of two pieces of machinery. The incident, which left no injured persons, is being investigated by Carabineros, who were alerted on Friday night by a male witness.

Lieutenant Colonel Giulianno Malverde, administrative deputy prefect of the Arauco prefecture, reported that "unknown individuals entered the property to later spray an accelerant liquid on two pieces of machinery, which were completely consumed by the fire." Despite the damage to the machinery, no damage to other structures or injuries to people were reported.

At the scene of the incident, authorities found a pamphlet alluding to the ethnic conflict in the area, an element that will be key to the investigation. "Evidence that will be made available to the Public Prosecutor's Office along with all the procedures carried out by the territorial personnel," Malverde stated.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days. This incident adds to a series of similar attacks that have affected the region in recent times, straining coexistence in areas with indigenous communities and forestry operations.