Two Brothers Died at the Ages of 15 and 13 While Preparing for a Celebration – What Happened to Matías and Benjamín Sobarzo

The news of the death of Matías and Benjamín Sobarzo shocked an entire community. Two teenagers aged 15 and 13 lost their lives in an accident in the region of La Araucanía, Chile. What began as a simple family gesture ended in a tragedy that devastated their loved ones, neighbors, and schoolmates.

The event occurred on the eve of Chile's national celebrations, a time that is usually marked by bonding activities. The family was preparing to raise a flag at their home when the accident abruptly cut those plans short.

The news prompted a flurry of messages of support, spontaneous tributes and gestures of solidarity in the area, where the students were recognized for their school life and community ties.

Details of the accident

According to the investigations, the accident occurred on the night of September 15, around 9:00 p.m., in the town of Challupén, commune of Villarrica, in the region of La Araucanía.

Matías and Benjamín were helping their mother install a metal flagpole in the yard to raise a flag. The flagpole accidentally touched a high-voltage power line near the property, which caused an immediate discharge.

The two teenagers received severe burns and were rushed to the Licán Ray health care center. Despite medical efforts, Benjamín, 13, died first.

His brother Matías, 15, managed to be taken to Villarrica hospital, but died hours later due to the extent of his injuries.

The children's mother also suffered the electric shock. She was hospitalized in serious condition, with burns and serious injuries, although with a reserved prognosis according to the medical authorities.

The words of the father of the youngsters

Marcelo Sobarzo, father of the teenagers, gave a brief and moving testimony after what happened. He expressed his pain and bewilderment at the tragedy. "I didn't think it was so serious, I don't know why these things happen. Well, God is the one who has the last word in this, I am devastated, shocked, I can't find what to do".

Comments from the commissioner and the teachers

The Carabineros commissioner explained that the accident occurred when the brothers were installing the flagpole at their home. "This flagpole would have made contact with an electric cable where an arc was formed and discharged these two minors of 15 and 13 years old, who unfortunately and after a medical effort died".

In the same television report it was detailed that the mother of the youngsters also tried to help them, which exposed her to the electric shock. "She maintains burns as a result of this shock".

From the Humanities School of Villarrica, where the brothers studied, their teachers described them as restless and enthusiastic students. One of the testimonies said: "They were like normal children in our school, restless, with expectations. We are all a little affected by the news."

Another statement came from María José, a teacher at the school, who asked for prayers for the family who suffered such a tremendous loss. "Let us pray a lot to accompany the whole family that is truly very dismayed," she told the media.

At the Humanidades School, a religious ceremony was held to say goodbye to Matías and Benjamín. In a publication of her Instagram account, images of the ceremony can be seen.

Accompanying the publication, a message to the community that read, "We gathered as a community to say goodbye to Benjamin and Matias, in a mass and responso full of prayer and faith. We ask God to receive them into his Kingdom and to bring comfort and strength to their families and loved ones. 'The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.' ✨ (Psalm 34:18)."

The death of Matías and Benjamín Sobarzo at the ages of 15 and 13 deeply marked their family, their school and the community of Villarrica. What should have been a moment of celebration turned into a painful event that left indelible marks among those who knew them.