An off-duty member of the Chilean navy drove a private vehicle into an open-air market in the coastal city of Viña del Mar on Sunday, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries, the navy confirmed.
Video footage circulating on social media from a residential security camera appears to show the moment the car veered into the market stalls. Other videos depict bystanders reacting to the incident, with some pursuing the driver, who was then seen being escorted to a police car.
The navy stated it is cooperating with authorities to determine the circumstances of the crash. While the exact number of deceased was not immediately released, local media reported at least six deaths.
According to police prefect for Viña del Mar, Col. Jorge Guaita, the driver stated he has no memory of the event, and the cause remains undetermined. Witness accounts suggest the vehicle was traveling at high speed in the correct lane before mounting the sidewalk and spinning. Guaita noted that a bus stop helped bring the vehicle to a halt, preventing potentially greater damage.
Chilean President José Antonio Kast declared the incident had plunged "the entire country in mourning." He added that state institutions are working to support those affected and to establish accountability for the event.