Deadly Vehicle Crash at Viña del Mar Festival Leaves Six Killed, Seven Injured

On a rainy afternoon at the Caupolicán fair in the Gómez Carreño neighbourhood of Viña del Mar, Chile—approximately 74 miles west of Santiago—a white Toyota mounted the pavement and struck a crowd of market stall-vendors and visitors. The vehicle, later identified as being driven by a off-duty petty officer of the Chilean Navy, was reportedly traveling at speed when it lost control, possibly due to drizzle. Six people died and seven others were injured; among the injured were two eight-month-old infants. Police described the scene as a smashed-up car surrounded by clothing, cardboard boxes and fairground merchandise.

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The Chilean Navy confirmed the driver is a corporal in the Marine Corps and expressed “deep regret” over the loss of life, pledging cooperation with investigators. Carabineros Colonel Jorge Guaita reported that none of the injured are in life-threatening condition. Presidential delegate of Valparaíso Manuel Millones Chirino said preliminary reports indicate the driver was not under the influence of alcohol and likely lost control because of the drizzle. President José Antonio Kast announced a period of national mourning and said all state institutions are providing legal and psychological support to victims’ families while working to establish responsibility for the tragedy.

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Authorities have arrested the driver and subjected him to testing. Early police reports suggest the vehicle was speeding near the fairgrounds, but the exact cause of the loss of control remains under investigation. The incident occurred at the Caupolicán market, which hosts sections for street stalls, fruit and vegetables, and general merchandise, and initial testimonies indicate most of the deceased were stall vendors.

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• “Guaita said: “There are six people dead at this time.” — Jorge Guaita, Carabineros Colonel

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• “The tragedy in Viña del Mar has plunged the entire country into mourning.” — José Antonio Kast, President of Chile

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• “All state institutions are working to assist those affected and to clearly establish responsibility for this painful event.” — José Antonio Kast, President of Chile

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• “a member of the institution, who was off duty and driving a private vehicle.” — Chilean Navy press statement

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• “the irreparable loss of human lives caused by this tragedy” — Chilean Navy press statement

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