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Armed Attack in Victoria Leaves One Forest Ranger Dead and Another Seriously Injured
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A new act of violence struck the La Araucanía Region during the night this Saturday. A forest ranger lost his life and another was seriously injured following an armed attack perpetrated by unknown individuals in the commune of Victoria.
The incident occurred at the intersection of routes CH-181 and R-283, in the Selva Oscura area, when individuals shot at the truck carrying two workers providing surveillance services for the company CMPC.
General of Carabineros, Cristian Mansilla, confirmed the procedure and reported that one of the victims died at the scene, while the second remains hospitalized in serious condition at the Victoria Hospital. "At the moment, it is premature to refer to the dynamics of the attack, as there are not yet sufficient evidential elements. However, the prosecutor has arranged for the forensic examinations to be carried out by Labocar and OS9 of Carabineros," he stated.
The company CMPC itself identified the victims as Manuel León Urra, 60 years old, who died as a result of the gunshots, and César Osorio, 50 years old, who remains hospitalized. "Tonight we have suffered a violent attack in Victoria. Two workers providing surveillance services in forestry operations were ambushed; unfortunately, one died and the other is in serious condition," said Ignacio Lira, Public Affairs Manager of the company.
For his part, the Regional Secretary of Public Security of La Araucanía, Israel Campusano, described the event as "serious" and stated that the police and the Government are coordinated to clarify what happened. "All necessary procedures will be carried out to find those responsible," he assured.
This attack adds to the one recorded in the early hours of the same day, when a group of unknown individuals set fire to five forestry machines—a motor grader, a backhoe, a three-wheeler, a skidder, and a twin—causing million-dollar losses to another company in the area.
With this new incident, violence in the Southern Macrozona once again leaves fatal victims, increasing concern for the safety of forest workers who travel daily along routes and properties in the region.
