A vehicle struck people at the Feria Caupolicán in Viña del Mar on Sunday, July 12, killing six and injuring several others. The driver, an off-duty Navy corporal, was detained.
The crash occurred around 7:45 a.m. when an SUV lost control on Avenida Alessandri, mounted the sidewalk and struck stalls and people at the fair. The fatalities were three men and three women, including a Hospital Naval employee.
The driver, identified as a Marine Infantry corporal from Fuerte Aguayo, was off duty in a private vehicle. Preliminary tests confirmed no alcohol or drugs, though the vehicle had expired papers and lacked SOAP insurance. His detention hearing is set for July 13.
Mayor Macarena Ripamonti declared three days of communal mourning from July 13 to 15. President José Antonio Kast offered condolences and said state institutions are working to clarify responsibilities. Several injured, including a mother and two infants, were treated and are out of life-threatening condition.
