Police reported this Saturday that two people died in 16 traffic crashes recorded nationwide at the start of the long weekend. Police also arrested 25 people.
The holiday marks the Encounter of Two Worlds, which is commemorated this Monday, October 12. BioBioChile reported that the figures cover the period up to midday Saturday. Chilevisión and Meganoticias, however, put the report's cutoff at 23:59 on Friday, October 9.
According to police, 138,567 vehicles left the Metropolitan Region between 18:00 and 23:59 on Friday. This is the first major flow of traffic toward other regions this weekend.
On the roads, police recorded 13,011 driver checks and inspections. They also conducted 3,931 breathalyzer and drug tests to detect alcohol and drugs.
Nationwide, police issued more than 173 citations. The sources do not detail the causes of the 16 crashes, where the two deaths occurred or the victims' identities. They also do not specify the reasons for the 25 arrests.
The official report did not include specific recommendations for drivers at this stage of the holiday.
Police will release details of the return operation in the coming days. According to police, the number of vehicles returning to the capital is expected to be quite similar to the number that left on Friday.
