EVA VERGARA
Associated Press
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Student protesters fled a tear gas truck and police water cannons used during a march through the Chilean capital Thursday, but no injuries or arrests were reported.
Thousands of young people unhappy with the pace of education reform under President Michelle Bachelet participated peacefully in the protest.
But dozens of unidentified people wearing masks interrupted the march, damaging traffic lights and signs, starting fires in trash containers and throwing sticks and stones at police.
Protest organizers said about 80,000 people took part in the march. Interior Undersecretary Mahmud estimated the number of participants at 25,000.
The demonstration created major traffic jams around Santiago’s center.
It was the third major march of the year in the South American country.
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