Detention Extended for Suspect in Penco Fire Tragedy

The court extended the detention of C.A.L.M., 39, until next Monday the 26th, in connection with the forest fire in Penco, which resulted in the tragic loss of 20 lives.

During the hearing at the Concepción Guarantee Court, new background information was presented linking the accused to the disaster, allegedly caused by a defective wood-burning stove.

Prosecutor Jorge Lorca argued that the fire spread through embers, evidence supported by videos from a forestry company. Although the accused was initially only warned, the emergence of additional evidence and the risk of flight, evidenced by his attempt to flee with bags along Route 172, motivated the request for arrest.

The defendant's defense attorney requested the annulment of the arrest order, but Judge Juan Domingo Pinochet rejected it, citing the evolving nature of the investigations.

The detention is extended to allow the continuation of proceedings, including the search for more victims in Lirquén.

The defense expressed bewilderment at the court's decision, alleging a lack of evidence of intentional misconduct by the accused. The next hearing has been scheduled for Monday at 12:00 p.m., where the progress of the investigation will be reviewed.