Former Chilean President Sebastián Piñera died in a helicopter crash

Sebastian Piñera, the former president of Chile, the first to be elected after the Pinochet dictatorship, died this Tuesday, February 6, 2024, in a helicopter crash in Lago Ranco, a resort located 920 km south of the capital Santiago.

Five people were on board the helicopter

“It is with great regret that we announce the death of the former President of the Republic of Chile, Sebastián Piñera Echenik”

At the age of 74, according to a press release from his office.

According to the Chilean press, the helicopter, which belonged to the former president, had five passengers on board. Three people are said to have survived.

The first president since the Pinochet dictatorship

Sebastian Piñera, a veteran businessman, led Chile from 2010 to 2014 and then from 2018 to 2022. During his first term, the country experienced rapid economic growth and a sharp drop in unemployment, even as many of the country’s neighbors and trading partners slowed. Growth, recalls Reuters

.

His second term, however, was marked by violent demonstrations against social inequalities. In response, the government began the process of drafting a new constitution to replace the 1970s constitution under the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.

“He will receive all the Republican honors and recognition he deserves.”Interior Minister Carolina Toha from the government of leftist President Gabriel Boric announced the death as soon as the death was announced.