University launches investigation after student dies during rafting activity

The Universidad de La Frontera (UFRO) has launched an administrative inquiry and an internal audit after a tragic accident resulted in the death of a 34-year-old student during a required rafting activity. The incident occurred on the Liucura River in Pucón, located in the La Araucanía Region.

The victim was enrolled in the Adventure Tourism Guide Technician program. The group consisted of 14 students and four instructors. According to the university, three other students sustained injuries and were transported to the San Francisco Hospital in Pucón for treatment. The accident happened approximately 14 kilometers from the city when the student fell from the raft and was carried away by the strong current.

Emergency services, including SAMU, firefighters, the GOPE unit of Carabineros (Chilean police), and the Directorate of Disaster Risk Management, were involved in the extensive search and rescue operation. The Public Ministry has assigned the investigation to the Carabineros' Section of Police Investigation (SIP) and the Legal Medical Service (SML). Witness statements are also being collected as part of the probe.

In a statement, UFRO extended its condolences to the deceased student's family, classmates, and faculty. The university assured that support measures are in place for those affected by the tragedy. UFRO committed to fully cooperating with the authorities in their investigation to clarify the events and review the procedures and protocols that were in place for the activity.

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an administrative inquiry and an internal audit, in order to clarify the circumstances of what happened and review the procedures and protocols applied in the development of the activity.