A devastating fire consumed six high-end vehicles parked directly in front of the Neuquén Provincial Legislature early Tuesday morning, leaving a young business owner facing hundreds of millions of pesos in losses. While the scene spoke of destruction, the victim later appeared smiling for cameras, projecting a public resilience that contrasted sharply with the desperation witnesses described at the height of the blaze.
The incident unfolded around 1:30 a.m. On Calle Leloir, where an explosion alerted neighbors and the vehicle owner to the unfolding disaster. Matías Fernández, a 24-year-old entrepreneur behind the venture Exclusive Cars, lost his entire visible inventory in the flames. The burned units included a gray Volkswagen Vento, a Volkswagen Scirocco, a Gol Trend, a white Toyota Hilux pickup, and two Audi models—a A3 and a 2.0 T.
Fire Department Chief Juan Molina led the operation to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby vehicles. Yet, the damage was already done. Fernández estimated the financial loss between 350 million and 400 million pesos. According to market valuations from March 2026, the destroyed inventory represented a significant capital hit; a new Toyota Hilux SRX 4×4 alone exceeds 84 million pesos, while used Audi models can range from $17,000 to over $49,000 USD depending on the year and condition.
Despite the scale of the loss, Fernández noted that none of the vehicles carried comprehensive insurance. They were covered only for third-party liability, leaving the economic burden entirely on his shoulders. Yet, in a subsequent Instagram post, he vowed to restart. “Back to square one! This time with more knowledge, more wisdom and by the hand of God!” he wrote, signaling an intent to rebuild Exclusive Cars despite the depleted capital.
The human toll was visible in the immediate aftermath. When firefighters arrived, Fernández showed signs of severe distress. He had attempted to break the windows of the burning cars to move them to safety, injuring his arms in the process. Emergency personnel from the Integrated Emergency System of Neuquén (SIEN) treated him at the scene before the contrast of his later public optimism emerged.
Investigation Focuses on Domestic Conflict
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into the intentional fire. Initially, the case was assigned to the Domestic Violence unit, a decision linked to Fernández’s public statements suggesting a personal motive. The owner alleges the attack stems from a recent conflict with a woman he had been seeing for approximately 40 days.
According to Fernández, the relationship ended abruptly after the woman checked his phone and saw messages from other women. He claims she responded with threats, telling him, “You don’t know who I am and who my family is.” He further suggested that family members linked to the auto sales business might be involved. Judicial sources indicate that while the Domestic Violence unit began the probe, the preparatory penal investigation could eventually transfer to the Generic Action Prosecutor’s Office.
To establish the cause and identify those responsible, authorities have requested footage from multiple security cameras in the area, including those belonging to the Judicial Power, the Legislature, and surrounding office towers. The Judicial Fire Department division is currently conducting expertise to determine the exact causal origin of the blaze.
Questions About the Incident
What is the current status of the investigation?
The case is actively being investigated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities are reviewing security camera footage from the Legislature and nearby buildings while waiting for forensic reports from the Judicial Fire Department to confirm the cause of the ignition.
Was the vehicle inventory insured?
No. The owner confirmed the vehicles held only third-party liability insurance, which does not cover damage to the owner’s own property. This leaves the estimated 350 million to 400 million peso loss uncovered by insurance providers.
Why were the cars parked on the street?
Fernández explained that his new branch location is currently under construction. He stated he parked the vehicles on Calle Leloir given that he lives nearby and felt the area was tranquil and free of conflict prior to the incident.
As the investigation continues, the community is left to reconcile the image of a smiling entrepreneur rebuilding from ashes with the violent reality of a night where an explosion shattered the quiet in front of the province’s legislative heart.
