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Off-Duty Marine Drives Into Viña del Mar Market, Six People Killed

Police have detained the driver and opened parallel civilian and naval inquiries with the driver's claim of fainting unverified.

Overview

  • A car mounted the sidewalk at a busy Viña del Mar street market and struck pedestrians, killing six and injuring seven, including two infants.
  • The crash occurred on July 12 and eyewitnesses described the vehicle entering the pedestrian area at high speed.
  • Carabineros arrested the driver at the scene and the Navy identified him as an off-duty undersergeant of the Marine Infantry who was driving privately.
  • The driver reportedly told a broadcaster that he fainted and cannot remember the incident, but authorities have not verified that account.
  • President José Antonio Kast expressed condolences and said state institutions will assist victims while investigators work to determine responsibility and cause.