A 21-year-old student died after falling from the seventh floor of Faculdade of Administração and Economia of Universidade of Santiago (USACH), this morning. The young man, who was in the second year of Administração Pública, fell from the building under circumstances still being investigated. The crash prompted the immediate evacuation of hundreds of students and staff from the campus.
The university activated emergency protocols shortly after the incident. Rescue Equipes arrived at the scene, but the student did not survive his injuries. Autoridades Chileans investigate the causes of the crash. The institution’s administration activated psychological support systems for the entire university community affected by the event.
Reitor confirms death and activates mourning measures
Cristián Muñoz, interim dean of USACH, issued an official statement confirming the death. “It is with deep regret that I inform you of the death of a member of our community, which occurred this morning at Faculdade of Administração and Economia”, stated the rector. Ele extended condolences to the student’s family and members of the university community.
The rector highlighted that the institution activated its institutional support mechanisms. “Universidade activated its institutional support mechanisms for students, employees and academic teams, with the aim of offering support and guidance at this difficult time”, declared Muñoz in the official statement released this morning.
Suspensão of activities and operation of support services
USACH suspended all academic activities starting at 11:15 a.m. as a sign of mourning and respect for those affected. Atividades administrative offices were closed at 12 pm, with a complete closure of the campus. Essential Serviços remain operating according to institutional needs, coordinated by the respective department heads.
The university’s Centro of Saúde remains fully operational. The Unidade from Bem-Estar Psicológico Estudantil works to serve students, employees and teams who seek emotional assistance. Essas units will continue to be available during the period of mourning, offering support to anyone who needs it at this critical time for the institution.
Investigação in progress
Autoridades Chileans work to clarify the circumstances of the crash. Peritos of the police and relevant bodies analyze evidence at the scene of the incident. The exact cause has not yet been officially confirmed, but investigators are evaluating all hypotheses related to the event that caused the young student’s death.
Comunidade college student in shock
Professores, Faculdade students and staff from Administração and Economia were the first to witness the moments that followed the fall. Centenas of people were evacuated from the building. Alunos who were in classes nearby went out to the outdoor courtyard, where they awaited information about the situation.
USACH has more than 24 thousand students distributed across several campuses. The institution is one of the main Chilean universities and offers programs in administration, economics, engineering and other areas. Campus Juan Gómez Millas, where Faculdade of Administração and Economia is located, is one of the main higher education centers in the Chilean capital.
Suporte emotional available
Psicólogos and university social workers were called shortly after the incident. Support Equipes were mobilized to assist students and colleagues who witnessed the event or knew the deceased student. Serviços psychological counseling services will operate uninterruptedly during this period of crisis.
USACH had already implemented mental health programs prior to this incident. The institution offered vocational guidance, academic support and emotional support for students in vulnerable situations. Diretórios students also maintain well-being and inclusion committees as a peer-to-peer safety net mechanism.
