How Did Hugo Chávez's Grandson End Up Injured in a Crash That Killed a Soldier in Miranda?

Key facts

• What: Road accident — a pickup overturned, fell down a ravine and caught fire
• Where: Tacarigua–La Laguna road, Río Chico, Páez municipality, Barlovento, Miranda state, Venezuela
• When: Afternoon of Saturday 17 October 2026; reported on 18 October 2026
• Reported toll: 1 killed, 6 injured
• Source: AlbertoNews

What happened

One National Armed Forces (FANB) official died and six people were injured in a traffic accident on the afternoon of Saturday 17 October in Miranda state.

The crash happened on the Tacarigua–La Laguna road, in Río Chico, Páez municipality, in the Barlovento subregion, when the pickup truck in which the group was travelling overturned, fell down a ravine and caught fire.

Who was involved

The soldier who died was identified as Gregori José Loaiza Barrera, 27, who was driving the vehicle involved.

Among the six injured was Jorge Arreaza Chávez, 18, the son of deputy and former minister Jorge Arreaza and of Rosa Virginia Chávez, the eldest daughter of former president Hugo Chávez. According to the medical report, he had lacerations to the left leg.

The other five injured people were identified as Marifer Díaz, 24; Anaís León and Ana León, 20; Adrián Gómez, 29; and Alondra Corredor, 19.

Injuries and response

Reported injuries among the group included possible hip and collarbone fractures, cervical trauma, limb wounds and a maxillofacial fracture.

The six injured people were first taken to a care centre in Río Chico for medical attention. Police, military and municipal authority officials attended at the crash site and the health centre, while the competent bodies began inquiries to determine the causes of the crash.

Frequently asked questions

How many people died in the Miranda crash?

One person died: the driver, Gregori José Loaiza Barrera, 27, a National Armed Forces official.

Where did the crash happen?

On the Tacarigua–La Laguna road, in Río Chico, Páez municipality, in the Barlovento subregion of Miranda state, Venezuela.

Who was injured in the crash?

Six people were injured, including Jorge Arreaza Chávez, 18, the grandson of former president Hugo Chávez. The other injured people were named as Marifer Díaz, 24; Anaís León and Ana León, 20; Adrián Gómez, 29; and Alondra Corredor, 19.

What caused the crash?

The cause had not been determined at the time of reporting. The competent bodies had begun inquiries to establish the causes of the crash.