False security threats trigger evacuations in Argentina and Chile

Two separate incidents involving false security threats caused significant disruptions in Argentina and Chile on Monday.

In Río Gallegos, Argentina, EPP N° 83 was evacuated following a report of a potential gas leak and carbon monoxide presence. Emergency services, including firefighters and technicians from Camuzzi Gas del Sur, conducted inspections and confirmed that no gas leaks or carbon monoxide were present. Provincial Maintenance Director Marcia Arroyo expressed concern over such false reports, noting they interrupt the educational process and disrupt student learning.

In Concón, Chile, a bomb threat written in a restroom at the ENAP facility triggered a mass evacuation of approximately 1,600 people. Specialized police units from the Grupo de Operaciones Policiales Especiales (GOPE) inspected the premises and found no explosive, incendiary, or chemical devices. While the threat was determined to be false, the incident prompted a large-scale emergency response and a subsequent investigation by the Prosecutor's Office to identify the source of the message.