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Car Plows Into Viña del Mar Fair, Killing At Least Six; Driver Held

Authorities say the off-duty naval petty officer who was detained will face toxicology tests as investigators examine speed, weather and video evidence.

Overview

  • A private car mounted the sidewalk at the Caupolicán Fair in Viña del Mar on Sunday, killing at least six people and injuring seven others, local police and media reported.
  • Police detained the driver at the scene and said he will undergo alcohol testing while investigators review witness accounts, security-camera footage and social media video to determine how the crash happened.
  • Authorities and witnesses reported the vehicle was traveling at high speed, spun after mounting the sidewalk, and was stopped when it struck a bus stop, which limited further harm.
  • Officials said many of the victims were market merchants working stalls at the open-air fair, and emergency services rushed the injured to nearby hospitals as the president declared national mourning.
  • The Chilean Navy identified the driver as an off-duty petty officer and said it is cooperating with the civilian probe while forensic and toxicology results are pending to establish cause and responsibility.