Former Chilean president Sebastián Piñera dies in a helicopter accident

Reports in Argentina and Chile say former Chilean president Sebastián Piñera died in a tragic helicopter crash Tuesday afternoon. 

According to diplomatic sources quoted by La Nacion, the aircraft fell near the area of Lake Ranco, and three other passengers survived.

The helicopter belonged to the former president, and, according to Chilean media outlets and press reports, Piñera would not have been able to remove his seat belt and would have drowned. 

The incident occurred around 3:00 p.m. local time, and firefighters and the Navy came to the scene. According to the Interior Ministry, after the helicopter fell into the lake, the three survivors managed to swim to the shore. 

According to Chilean television reports, rescue teams are still trying to recover the former president's body. When Navy arrived at the place where the helicopter fell, they anticipated that the helicopter sank 40 metres. 

Chile's 24 Horas channel reported that Piñera had just renewed his licence to pilot helicopters, and he was in command of the aircraft. The weather was foggy, which affected visibility.

In a public statement, the office of President Javier Milei sent condolences on behalf of Argentina. 

"The President's office regrets the tragic death of Sebastián Piñera," the press release read. "On behalf of the entire Argentine State, we send our condolences to your family, friends and all of the Chilean people."

Piñera was a businessman and politician who served as President of the Republic of Chile from 2010-2014 and 2018-2022. 

– TIMES