Moment Argentina’s congress learned of Chilean President Piñera’s death

Argentina’s Congress led an impromptu minute of silence as they learned the news that former President of Chile Sebastian Piñera had died in a helicopter crash. Members stood in a mixture of shock and respect upon hearing the news mid-session following the announcement that his helicopter had crashed in Lake Ranco, killing the 74-year-old former President. It is unclear whether Piñera, a keen pilot, was piloting the helicopter at the time. Three other people on board survived the crash and were able to swim to safety. Current Chilean President Gabriel Boric paid tribute to his predecessor, and invited his country to begin three days of national mourning, by quoting Piñera’s own words, which were spoken as he was sworn in for a second time. ‘We are all Chile and we should dream it, draw it and build it together.’ Pinera, however, will be mourned all over the world, especially in South America. Former President of Argentina Mauricio Macri led such tributes, saying, ‘He was a good person, committed like no one else to Chile and to the values of freedom and democracy in Latin America.’ Piñera will be laid to rest in a state funeral on Friday.