The National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) announced that Spanish pilot Fernando Solans died while extinguishing fires in Talca, central Chile.
Solans, who lived in Seville, as sources in the government sub-delegation confirm to Europa Press, although according to the head of the Chilean unit he was originally from Valencia, He piloted an Air Andes SPA turbo-trush aircraft that took part in firefighting operations.
Diplomatic sources have informed Europa Press that the Consulate General is already in contact with the family of the deceased and the relevant administrative procedures have already been initiated to proceed with the repatriation of the body. In addition to the death of the Spanish pilot, three people were also injured in the accident, said CONAF, an agency dependent on the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture.
According to local media reports, the pilot apparently lost control of the device after reaching the power lines It flew at a low altitude and hit the ground on a road, partially colliding with another vehicle.
Prosecutor Loreto Escobar, who appeared at the scene after the incident, explained that the three injured were not seriously injured and that the collection of evidence was already underway and that they were looking for witnesses to the incidents in order to clarify the incident.
In statements to the newspaper La Tercera, CONAF director Christian Little did not want to speculate on the causes of the accident while waiting for the investigation to be carried out. “It may have been the plane itself because the pilot had a lot of experience,” he noted, emphasizing that Solans was the “chief pilot” in Spain.
CONAF, which also expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased, stressed that Solans “becomes part of the legacy of martyrs who gave their lives to protect the heritage of our country and therefore the lives of its people.” “.
He also indicated this is already “actively” working with the authorities to investigate the accidentThis will ensure that “all available background information is provided to help clarify the causes and circumstances in which this unfortunate event occurred.”