Sebastian Pinera, former president of Chile, reportedly killed in helicopter crash

Sebastian Pinera, the former president of Chile, is reportedly dead after a helicopter crash. He was 74.

In a statement to Chilean media, the former president’s office confirmed he had died in a helicopter accident. His death was first reported by local media, according to Reuters.

SENAPRAD, the country’s national disaster agency, confirmed that there had been a helicopter crash in Lago Ranco, a town in the southern part of Chile.

One person was killed in the crash and three others were injured, SENAPRAD said.

Mr Pinera, a businessman and billionaire, served as president from 2010 to 2014, and again from 2018 to 2022. He was married and a father of four.

The conservative politician was credited with steering Chile towards significant economic growth and decreased unemployment in his first term as president.

In his second term, widespread protests broke out across Chile, with demonstrators calling for change amid stark economic inequality. Mr Pinera ultimately agreed that the country would hold a vote to rewrite the constitution.

He also led the country through numerous natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.