This morning a terrible accident happened where the reconnaissance… See more
Vehicle falls into the Mapocho River in a shocking accident: driver had consumed alcohol
Santiago, Chile – An early morning marked by chaos and recklessness ended in potential tragedy when a car fell into the Mapocho River after a violent accident in the heart of the capital. The driver, who miraculously survived, tested positive for alcohol.
The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday morning , at the intersection of Avenida Costanera Norte and Puente Purísima , when a private vehicle lost control at high speed, broke the containment barrier and fell directly into the Mapocho River bed from a height of approximately 6 meters.
Eyewitnesses immediately alerted emergency crews. “It was like something out of a movie. The car was going very fast, zigzagging, and suddenly went straight into the river. We thought no one would make it out alive,” said a night worker.
The driver, under the influence of alcohol
Carabineros reported that the driver, identified as Matías C. (28 years old) , managed to get out of the car on his own after the impact. Despite suffering multiple minor injuries, he was found conscious on the riverbank. He was taken to the University of Chile Clinical Hospital, where he was stabilized.
Hours later, the medical report was accompanied by a confirmation that set off alarm bells : the breathalyzer test revealed that the young driver had 1.3 grams of alcohol per liter of blood , meaning he was driving while intoxicated .
Reactions and indignation
The incident sparked a wave of criticism on social media. “He could have killed someone else,” “It’s not an accident, it’s the result of irresponsibility,” wrote internet users after the news broke. Fortunately, no other vehicles were involved or pedestrians injured , given the time of the incident.
Traffic authorities indicated that the stretch of the Costanera where the accident occurred is frequently used by speeding drivers. “We have repeatedly called for responsible driving, but this type of incident demonstrates that there are still those who don’t understand the dangers of drunk driving,” said Carabineros Commander Pablo Álvarez.
Salvaged vehicle and damage
The completely damaged vehicle was removed from the Mapocho River in an operation that lasted several hours and required specialized machinery. The impact also caused damage to the bridge’s safety railing, which is already being assessed by municipal personnel for prompt repair.
Legal consequences
Matías C. was charged this Monday with drunk driving and damaging public property . The court ordered overnight house arrest , provisional suspension of his driver’s license, and monthly signature while the investigation into the case continues.
The Prosecutor’s Office has not ruled out increasing the charges if it is proven that the driver has engaged in similar behavior in the past.
An urgent call
This accident once again highlights the serious problem of drunk driving in Chile , one of the leading causes of fatal accidents in the country. Authorities reiterated their call to awareness: “There are no excuses. If you’re going to drink, don’t drive. You might not live to tell the tale… or ruin the lives of others.”
