A shocking event occurred on Wednesday night in Padre Las Casas, La Araucanía region, where a group of hooded individuals ignited barricades made of tires next to the railway line, impacting a passenger train.
The incident took place at a location known as Barnett Crossing, as recorded by the surveillance cameras of the Municipality of the area.
According to information obtained by Radio Bio Bio, a group of masked individuals arrived at the site carrying a banner, demanding the immediate transfer of Héctor Llaitul Catrillanca from the Concepción prison to the community member’s module at the Temuco prison.
It is important to note that Catrillanca, the leader of the Arauco Malleco Coordinator (CAM), is currently on a dry hunger strike in the Bío Bío prison, serving a 23-year sentence for various offenses under the State Security Law, including violent usurpation, theft of wood, and assault against authorities.
Hooded men demand freedom for Hector Llaitul, leader of the CAM | X (formerly Twitter)
However, the situation escalated dramatically that night when the group set fire to tires to form barricades alongside the railway line.
At that moment, one of the individuals threw an accelerant on a passenger train that was passing through the crossing, causing flames to spread to one of the train’s windows.
The train was heading towards the railway station located on Avenida Barcelona in the city of Temuco.
The incident was condemned by the mayor of Padre Las Casas, Mario Gonzalez, who announced that legal action would be pursued.
As of this writing, the State Railways Company (EFE) has not commented on the incident that affected one of its passenger trains. Additionally, there have been no reports of injuries or arrests.
Videos: Hooded men spray fuel on passenger train
🔵 #TEMUCO #URGENT: A passenger train #Temuco–#Pitrufquen was the target of an attempted arson when unknown individuals threw gasoline on it while it passed through a railroad crossing in Padre Las Casas, causing it to briefly catch fire. @stand out @all #share #spread #now. pic.twitter.com/X25B6DHwcM
— Los del Sur News (@LdelSurNoticias) August 29, 2024
Violence Erupts in Padre Las Casas: Hooded Men Target Passenger Train
A shocking situation unfolded on Wednesday night in Padre Las Casas, a commune located in the La Araucanía region of Chile, where a group of hooded men ignited barricades using tires near the railway tracks, disrupting a passenger train.
The Incident at Barnett Crossing
The events transpired at an area known as Barnett Crossing, where surveillance cameras recorded the chaotic scene. According to reports from Radio Bio Bio, the aggressors arrived brandishing a banner that called for the immediate transfer of Héctor Llaitul Catrillanca from Concepción prison to the community members’ module at the Temuco prison.
Héctor Llaitul, a significant figure and leader of the Arauco Malleco Coordinator (CAM), is currently serving a 23-year sentence in a Bío Bío prison for a series of offenses, including violent usurpation, theft of wood, and attacks against authority.
Escalation of Violence
The situation escalated dramatically when the hooded individuals set fire to tires to create barricades adjacent to the railway line. As a passenger train approached the crossing, one of the participants hurled a flammable liquid at the train, igniting a fire that spread to one of the train’s car windows.
The train was en route to the railway station located on Avenida Barcelona in Temuco.
Official Reactions
The mayor of Padre Las Casas, Mario Gonzalez, condemned the attack and announced plans to pursue legal action against the perpetrators. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding security and public safety in the region, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding the indigenous Mapuche communities’ demands.
Railway Company Response
At the time of reporting, the State Railways Company (EFE) had not released an official statement regarding the disturbance affecting one of its passenger services. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or arrests in connection with the attack.
Dozens of Videos Capture the Chaos
🔵 #TEMUCO #URGENT: Passenger train #Temuco–#Pitrufquen was the target of an attempted arson after unknown persons threw gasoline on it while passing through a railroad crossing in Padre Las Casas, causing it to catch fire momentarily.@stand out @all #share #spread #now . pic.twitter.com/X25B6DHwcM
— Los del Sur News (@LdelSurNoticias) August 29, 2024
Investigation Underway
An investigation is expected to be initiated to identify those involved in the violent act, looking into the motivations behind the attack and the larger implications for the ongoing socio-political tensions in the Araucanía region.
Context of the Conflict
The conflict in La Araucanía is deeply rooted in historical grievances related to the Mapuche people’s claims for land and autonomy. Groups like the Arauco Malleco Coordinator have been at the forefront of advocating for indigenous rights, often employing radical tactics in response to perceived injustices.
Safety Measures for Passengers
- Increased Security: Authorities may bolster security measures at railway crossings to prevent similar incidents.
- Public Awareness: Travelers should stay informed about railway safety protocols and local news updates.
- Emergency Preparedness: Passengers are encouraged to be aware of emergency procedures on board trains.
The Broader Implications
This incident raises critical questions about safety in the region and the ongoing struggle between the state and indigenous communities. It also illustrates the potential for further unrest as demands for justice and recognition of rights continue to collide with government policies.
Information for the Public
| Date | Location | Incident Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 28, 2024 | Padre Las Casas | Attempted Arson | Under Investigation |
Community Response
Community leaders have expressed concern over the violent tactics used by these groups and are calling for dialogue and peaceful resolutions instead of further violence. The urgency for a peaceful discourse remains a priority for local governance and civil society organizations.
Calls for Action
In light of such violence, there is a pressing need for authorities to engage with indigenous leaders and communities to address underlying issues constructively and peacefully.
