Metro de Santiago passenger dies in fatal accident at Pajaritos station

A fatal accident occurred at the Pajaritos station of Metro de Santiago's Line 1 on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Wilmer Quispe, a 38-year-old Peruvian national, died instantly after being struck by a train on the platform.

Investigations by the Fiscalía Centro Norte and security footage suggest the death resulted from a fatal confusion. At the time, the station was undergoing the installation of new platform screen doors, which left the safety frameworks open and visible. This created an optical illusion where Quispe reportedly believed a stationary train on the opposite track was the one he needed to board. As he ran toward the edge to catch the perceived train, another convoy entered the station, striking him.

Quispe's family has accused Metro of negligence, citing the lack of adequate containment or clear signaling during the construction phase. Risk management experts have noted that the combination of ongoing works and existing signage may have caused sensory overstimulation.

The incident led to the temporary closure of several Line 1 stations, including Salvador, Manuel Montt, Pedro de Valdivia, and Los Leones, due to the medical emergency and subsequent investigations.