Exactly one year after the arson attack that affected the Rucalhue Hydroelectric Power Plant, the case remains under investigation with no public results reported, in a scenario where the attack caused impacts on the project's execution and forced the reinforcement of security conditions in the area.
The incident, recorded in April 2025 in the commune of Quilaco, Biobío province, in a rural area near the border with Santa Bárbara, had consequences both due to the magnitude of the damage and the operational implications for the energy initiative.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday, April 20, 2025, when a group of armed individuals entered the worksite, intimidated the workers present, and proceeded to set fire to 45 trucks and five pieces of machinery intended for the plant's construction, according to information provided by the Biobío zone chief of Carabineros, General Renzo Miccono.
The incident also left two guards injured and was classified as one of the largest attacks recorded in the Biobío region, and in Chile.
Following the events, the Public Prosecutor's Office instructed the Investigative Police (PDI) to carry out procedures, initiating a criminal investigation to clarify the facts and find those responsible.
In parallel, the Ministry of Public Security filed a criminal complaint before the Santa Bárbara Guarantee Court, invoking the Anti-Terrorism Law, considering the manner of execution of the attack and its impact.
IMPACT, SECURITY, AND COMPANY'S STANCE ON THE INVESTIGATION
In response to a questionnaire from Diario La Tribuna, the company in charge of the Rucalhue Hydroelectric Power Plant addressed the measures adopted after the attack—which they described as "the largest arson attack recorded in the Biobío region"—along with the effects it had on the development of the initiative.
In this regard, they indicated that permanent police protection is maintained in the area where the works are being carried out, implemented after the initial actions taken following the attack.
"After the attack and once the Prosecutor's Office completed all due procedures in the initial stage on-site, the authority decided to provide the permanent police protection decreed by the Public Prosecutor's Office. This measure has been maintained to date and has meant significant support from the State," stated representatives from the Rucalhue Hydroelectric Power Plant.
Referring to the consequences of the incident, the company pointed to concrete effects on the construction's development, mainly associated with the disruption of the work pace.
"The main impact the company has faced regarding the attack has been the delay of the works in their construction phase, as well as the implementation of additional security measures in the worksite area," they affirmed.
Along with this, they indicated that various actions were taken to strengthen security conditions at the site, incorporating equipment and operational adjustments aimed at reducing risks.
"Among these measures are, for example, increasing the number of guards, reinforcing access points, improving surveillance and communication equipment, an anti-drone system, installation of additional lighting infrastructure, and strengthening access and evacuation protocols with an investment of approximately USD 1,000,000," they explained.
Regarding the progress of the case, the company indicated they have maintained participation in the legal actions stemming from the attack, in coordination with the institutions in charge.
"In parallel, the company filed a complaint for what occurred, and during this period we have collaborated with the investigation, trusting in the institutions in charge of it," they stated.
In that context, the company reiterated its stance on the investigative process, highlighting its expectations regarding the results that may arise from the ongoing procedures.
"The Rucalhue Hydroelectric Power Plant is a project of national interest, key for the country's energy transition, and with that conviction, the company trusts in Chilean institutions and in the results the investigation may obtain," they indicated.
GOVERNMENT DEFENDS PROGRESS AND RULES OUT ABANDONMENT
From the Government, the Provincial Presidential Delegate of Biobío, Juan Pablo Mellado, addressed the status of the investigation and responded to questions about a potential abandonment by the State in following up on the case.
In that context, the authority emphasized the existence of permanent work on security and coordination with the police forces.
"Regarding the attack in Rucalhue, there is no room here to downplay it or to promote the idea of State abandonment," he asserted.
Juan Pablo Mellado.
The delegate added that the investigation remains ongoing under confidentiality, within the framework of procedures that continue to be carried out.
"This is an ongoing investigation led by the Public Prosecutor's Office together with the Investigative Police, which remains confidential, and that confidentiality is not accidental; it responds to procedures that continue to advance and require responsibility," he indicated.
Likewise, he addressed criticisms regarding the lack of visible results, stating the need to safeguard the investigative work.
"Demanding results is legitimate, but questioning the investigative work without concrete background information does not contribute," he affirmed.
In that regard, he detailed that the case is reviewed periodically in coordination instances. "This issue is on the table every week in security meetings, both at the regional and provincial levels. There is no improvisation or absence here; there is systematic work with the police and specialized teams," he stated.
Finally, he reiterated the Executive's stance regarding the pursuit of those responsible. "I want to be clear, we will not allow an act of this magnitude to go unpunished," he emphasized.
The authority also reported that they are coordinating actions with the affected company. "We already have a meeting scheduled with the company and its representatives, because we are not only following the investigation, we are also present, facing the situation, and strengthening security coordination," he concluded.
INVESTIGATION STILL ONGOING
When consulted by Diario La Tribuna, the Biobío Regional Prosecutor's Office confirmed that the case remains active and in development.
The agency indicated that procedures continue to be executed by the Investigative Police, within the framework of an investigation that remains active.
According to the information provided, multiple forensic examinations have been conducted and various statements have been taken, with inquiries ongoing to clarify the facts.
One year after the attack, the investigation remains open, with no public results reported regarding those responsible in the case.
Project Continuity
The company indicated that the security measures implemented after the attack allowed the works to resume under safer conditions for the workers.
"This action allowed the company to focus on resuming work and providing workers with the security conditions required by such a situation. Today, the project is advancing in its construction and expects to complete the projected construction phase by 2028," they added.
Regarding the current situation, they detailed that the initiative has continued its development and maintains job creation in the area.
"To date, the project is generating employment for a total of 659 people, of which 55% corresponds to local labor, fulfilling the commitment stipulated in the RCA (Environmental Qualification Resolution) to hire 30% of workers from local communities," they indicated.
Finally, the company reiterated its stance regarding the future of the initiative and its continuity over time.
"The company maintains the confidence and conviction that the Power Plant is an important project with future prospects," they concluded.
Security Measures After the Attack
Increase in guard personnel
Reinforcement of access points
Surveillance and communication equipment
Anti-drone system
Increased lighting at the worksite
Access and evacuation protocols
Approximate investment of USD 1,000,000
Status of the Investigation
Investigation currently active
Ongoing procedures and forensic examinations, under the charge of the Investigative Police (PDI)
Multiple actions have been carried out, including taking statements and forensic examinations
Investigation in development, with no public results reported
Source:La Tribuna
Comentarios (0)
No hay comentarios aún. ¡Sé el primero en comentar!
Deja un comentario