😭This morning, a terrible accident occurred, resulting in the death of a… See moreVehicle falls into the Mapocho River in a shocking accident: driver had consumed alcoholSantiago de 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. Sunday morning at the intersection of Avenida Costanera Norte and Puente Purísima, when a private vehicle lost control at high speed, broke through the barrier, and fell directly into the Mapocho Riverbed from a height of approximately 6 meters.Eyewitnesses immediately alerted emergency crews. “It was like a movie. The car was traveling 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 was under the influence of alcoholThe police 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 outrageThe situation generated 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 learning the news. Fortunately, no other vehicles were involved or pedestrians injured, given the time of the incident.Traffic authorities noted that the section 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 shows that there are still those who do not understand the danger posed by drunk drivers,” said Carabineros Commander Pablo Álvarez.Salvaged vehicle and damageThe completely damaged car 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 ConsequencesMatías 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 AppealThis 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 the 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.”