Were Matías and Benjamín Sobarzo Eligible for the Celebration That Ended in Tragedy
Chilean Brothers Die in Tragic Flagpole Accident During National Holiday Preparations
The community of Villarrica, Chile, is mourning the sudden deaths of 15-year-old Matías and 13-year-old Benjamín Sobarzo, who lost their lives in a tragic accident while helping their family prepare for the country’s national holiday. The incident occurred on the evening of September 15 in the town of Challupén, La Araucanía region, turning a patriotic tradition into heartbreak for the entire family and community.
The brothers were assisting their mother with installing a metal flagpole in their yard when it inadvertently made contact with a high-voltage power line overhead. The resulting electric discharge caused severe injuries. Benjamín was rushed to the Licán Ray health care center but died shortly after arrival. Matías was transferred to a hospital in Villarrica, where he succumbed to his injuries hours later. Their mother also suffered serious burns and electrical trauma and remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Authorities confirmed that the accident occurred while the family was preparing for Chile’s national holiday celebrations. The young brothers had eagerly taken part in the preparations, reflecting both pride and responsibility, which tragically ended in a fatal incident. Carabineros officials explained that the flagpole created an electrical arc upon contact with the live wire, delivering a deadly shock. The mother was exposed to the current while attempting to rescue her children.
The boys were students at the Humanities School of Villarrica. Teachers remembered them as lively and curious, full of energy and promise. One teacher commented, “They were just like any other children at our school—restless, curious, full of expectations.” Another teacher asked for community support and prayers, saying, “Let us pray for this family that has suffered a tremendous loss.”
A religious farewell ceremony was held at their school, attended by classmates, educators, and local residents. Photos from the event circulated on social media with messages of condolence, noting: “We gathered as a community to say goodbye to Benjamín and Matías in a mass filled with prayer and faith. We ask God to receive them into His Kingdom and to bring comfort and strength to their loved ones. ‘The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.’ (Psalm 34:18).”
The deaths of Matías and Benjamín have left the Villarrica community in shock. What was intended as a joyful patriotic celebration became a devastating tragedy. Despite their young age, the brothers were active, engaged, and deeply connected to their family and school, making the loss particularly profound. Their lives, though brief, were marked by energy, love, and participation in their community, leaving an enduring impression on those who knew them.