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Serious arson attack in Santa Bárbara leaves nearly 50 machines destroyed

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A new arson attack shook the early hours of this Sunday in the commune of Santa Bárbara, in the Biobío region. Nearly 50 machines, including trucks and construction equipment, were destroyed by flames after an attack carried out by a group of at least five heavily armed, hooded individuals on the premises of the Rucalhue Hydroelectric Plant, currently under construction.

The incident occurred around 3:00 AM when the subjects entered the facility, assaulted, and subdued the security guards on-site before starting the fire that consumed 45 trucks and 5 heavy machinery units. After committing the attack, the individuals fled, scattering "miguelitos" (road spikes) on the route and felling trees to obstruct the passage of security forces.

General Renzo Miccono, head of the Biobío Carabineros zone, reported that two of the four guards sustained minor injuries. "The victims stated they were threatened with firearms while the attackers set fire to all the machinery on-site. The Public Prosecutor's Office has already been informed of the incident and dispatched the PDI (Investigative Police) to the scene," added the authority.

For its part, the company Rucalhue Energía SpA issued a public statement categorically condemning what happened. "These types of incidents not only represent an attack on infrastructure but also on workers, neighboring communities, and the rule of law," they stated.

The firm also confirmed there were no serious injuries but warned that material damages are substantial. They indicated they would file the corresponding legal complaints and collaborate with authorities to clarify the events and reinforce security in the area.

"The Rucalhue Plant project complies with all current environmental, social, and technical regulations. We reaffirm our commitment to dialogue and social peace," the company emphasized.

From the Government, acting spokesperson Aisén Etcheverry expressed her condemnation of the attack. "Violence cannot be accepted. Our provincial delegate arrived at the scene around 4 AM, and both the Prosecutor's Office and Carabineros are working intensively to gather evidence," she stated.

As of the closing of this edition, no arrests had been reported. Carabineros maintains an active operation in the Biobío province to locate those responsible.