A tragic traffic accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday on Route 5 South, at kilometer 114, claiming the lives of Air Force Sergeant First Class Óscar Coña Cariqueo and his 9-year-old daughter Vicenta. The driver of a truck, under the influence of alcohol, rear-ended the family vehicle, causing it to overturn. The sergeant's wife and older daughter were injured but are stable.
The crash occurred around dawn on December 21, 2025, on Route 5 South, heading south, at kilometer 114.600, in the O’Higgins Region. According to Carabineros, a truck rear-ended the vehicle carrying the family, causing it to overturn. Sergeant First Class Óscar Coña Cariqueo, from the Air Force of Chile (FACh) Personnel Command, died at the scene, while his 9-year-old daughter Vicenta passed away later at Rancagua Regional Hospital despite medical efforts.
The car also carried the sergeant's wife and his 15-year-old daughter, who were rushed to the hospital and are now out of life-threatening condition. The truck driver was detained by Carabineros for being manifestly intoxicated, as confirmed by Captain Juan Ramírez Madreada, commissioner of the 4th Rengo Police Station. “We urge drivers not to drink alcohol if they are going to drive. Hand over the keys and be responsible to avoid these kinds of tragedies,” the officer stated, noting ongoing controls during the holidays.
Personnel from Carabineros' Traffic Accident Investigation Section (SIAT) are working at the scene to reconstruct the incident and determine the root causes. The FACh issued a statement expressing deep sorrow: “The Air Force of Chile expresses its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and unit members of Sergeant 1st Class Óscar Coña Cariqueo, accompanying them with respect and solidarity in the face of this irreparable loss that mourns the entire Institution.” The institution is providing support to the family.
This accident underscores the importance of responsible driving, especially during high-traffic periods like the Christmas holidays.
