A promotion offering free gasoline led to a chaotic scene and a pepper spray attack at a Copec gas station in La Serena, Chile, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The incident underscores the potential for unrest during large-scale promotional events.
The disruption unfolded at the Copec station located at Av. 4 Esquinas N° 1550 during the company’s “Hora Copec” event, a daily hour-long giveaway of free fuel. According to reports, a driver deployed pepper spray after becoming frustrated with long lines and disagreements among those waiting to fill up.
Traffic was brought to a standstill for several blocks in both directions as congestion and arguments escalated. Witnesses described a tense atmosphere as people attempted to grab advantage of the free fuel offer.
“A person was very intolerant and sprayed pepper spray on some guys in some cars that were parked there,” one witness recounted on social media. The witness further identified the aggressor as a man driving a Dodge Durango.
The effects of the pepper spray spread beyond the immediate area of the attack, lingering in the air. “While I was there, I felt an itch,” the witness stated. “Because while they were washing it off, it was in the air. It’s very strong.”
Police responded to the scene to manage the traffic and restore order amid the chaos.
Copec’s “Hora Copec” promotion, which gives away fuel for one hour each day, began Monday in Rancagua and continued Tuesday in La Serena. The company announced the promotion runs from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, but at a different station each day. More information about the Pronto Copec station at 4 Esquinas can be found here.
