In Santiago, Chile, two Chilean police officers were seriously injured after being set on fire by Molotov cocktails thrown by protesters. The incident occurred as officers attempted to disperse demonstrators in the capital city.
Dramatic images captured the immediate aftermath, showing members of the city’s special forces rushing to extinguish the flames engulfing the officers. Colleagues used fire extinguishers and their bare hands to put out the fire, with one officer visibly in pain as flames flickered around her face.
The injured officers were identified as Maria Jose Hernandez Torres, 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, 20. Both were reported to be in serious condition at a hospital in Santiago, according to Reuters.
The protests in Chile have been ongoing for several weeks, initially sparked by an increase in subway fares. These demonstrations have evolved into a broader movement addressing issues such as salaries, pensions, and wealth inequality, shaking a nation previously known for its economic stability.
Jorge Silva, the Reuters chief photographer in South East Asia, was covering the protests and witnessed the attack. He stated he was near the Baquedano metro station when he saw a flare and realized an officer had been set on fire. Henry Romero, another Reuters reporter, noted that the incident led to an immediate and intensified response from the police, including the use of gas and rubber bullets.
The country’s interior minister visited the injured officers in the hospital and condemned the attack, calling it “pure violence … nothing to do with the legitimate demands of citizens.” He described it as a “violent, cowardly aggression against two police officers who were working to protect the safety of our compatriots,” Reuters reported.
While an earlier gathering on Tuesday drew an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 people, according to Felipe Guevara, mayor of the Santiago metropolitan region, Fox News reported. The unrest, which began over subway fare hikes, has transformed into a large-scale movement demanding widespread changes. The center-right government has proposed social improvements, which are pending approval by Congress.
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Keywords: Protests, Molotov Cocktails, Police Officers, Chile, Violence, Unrest, Economic Stability, Subway Fares.