Tragic Fire in Chile Claims Lives of 14 Venezuelan Migrants, Including 8 Children
CARACAS, Nov 7: A devastating fire that engulfed a housing settlement in southern Chile has resulted in the tragic loss of 14 lives, including eight children, as confirmed by the deputy mayor of Coronel, a city in the region.
The fire occurred in two homes that were inhabited by three families, all of whom were Venezuelan migrants.
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, with officials examining whether a heating unit malfunction may have been responsible.
Coronel, situated close to Concepcion, a major city in southern Chile, has a history of fires, especially during the southern hemisphere’s summer season when high temperatures exacerbate the risk.
The deputy mayor voiced concern over an apparent increase in housing construction on unauthorized land, known as “encampments,” which are prone to such incidents.
The tragedy highlights the plight of Venezuelan migrants, many of whom are fleeing economic hardships and violence in their home country.
These migrants often undertake perilous journeys to reach Chile, one of the more prosperous nations in South America.
The journeys frequently involve crossing the border by foot from Bolivia or Peru, exposing them to dangerous conditions and uncertain prospects.
Since 2017, the number of Venezuelan migrants arriving in Chile has risen significantly. Official estimates indicate that nearly half of the 1.7 million foreigners who have entered Chile in recent years are Venezuelans seeking refuge from the economic crisis in their homeland.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by migrants and the importance of addressing their safety and living conditions.
Be the first to comment