Drunk Driver Arrested with 2.79g of Alcohol in Blood After Nearly Causing Crash in Coyhaique

Family Dodges Head-On Crash With Drunk Driver

The motorist invaded the opposing lane near the La Cordonada intersection, forcing a family traveling with minor children to make sudden evasive maneuvers to avoid a direct head-on collision.

Emergency Journey Interrupted by Speeding Motorist

The hazardous encounter occurred past the La Cordonada sector as the family traveled from Balmaceda toward Coyhaique, according to aysenahora.cl.

Relatives stated that the family was actively transporting children to the Hospital Regional de Coyhaique because the minors were suffering from high fever, influenza, and severe discomfort. The family explicitly confirmed that the children were secured in proper child safety seats.

Narrow Escape on a Dangerous Downhill Slope

As the family’s vehicle moved along its designated lane, a speeding vehicle crossed over from the opposite direction just before a downhill slope. According to family testimony published by aysenahora.cl, the driver had few options to prevent a disaster: swerve to avoid the vehicle, drop into a ditch, or take a direct hit. The driver executed sharp steering maneuvers and stabilized the automobile upon reaching a gravel section of the road.

The situation posed an extreme risk due to the health condition of a young passenger named Agustín, who lives with hemiparesia izquierda—a condition resulting from brain surgery that limits mobility in one arm and leg. Following the near-collision, the family tracked the vehicle briefly to prevent further danger to other motorists and captured footage that later circulated on social media.

Breathalyzer Test Confirms Extreme Alcohol Levels

Carabineros de Chile intercepted the driver and administered an alcometer test. According to coverage by Diario El Divisadero cited by aysenahora.cl, the breathalyzer test recorded 2.79 grams of alcohol per liter of blood.

Court Release Sparks Community Outrage

Following his arrest, the 55-year-old suspect appeared before the Juzgado de Garantía for a detention control hearing.

Judge Fabiola Muñoz ordered the man released from custody and did not suspend his driver’s license, drawing strong reactions from the affected family and the local community regarding road safety enforcement in Aysén. The family confirmed they have initiated independent legal actions in response to the event.