Six Killed as Off-Duty Chile Navy Member’s Car Hits Crowded Open-Air Market

A devastating vehicle crash at an open-air market in Viña del Mar, Chile , has claimed the lives of at least six people and injured several others after a private car driven by an off-duty Chilean Navy member crashed into market stalls on Sunday.

The incident occurred in the coastal city’s busy market area, where the vehicle reportedly moved onto the pavement and struck pedestrians and vendors before coming to a stop. Witnesses told authorities that the car was travelling at high speed before losing control and causing destruction across the market.

Footage from security cameras captured the moment the vehicle entered the market, while videos shared on social media showed panic among bystanders and scenes of people chasing the driver before police took him into custody.

Police officials said the driver claimed he does not remember the crash or the events leading up to it. Authorities are examining several possibilities, including a potential medical issue, mechanical failure, or other circumstances that may have caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Viña del Mar police prefect Col Jorge Guaita said witness accounts indicated that the vehicle was initially moving in the correct direction of traffic before mounting the sidewalk and spinning through the market area. He added that a nearby bus stop helped bring the vehicle to a halt , preventing what could have been an even larger tragedy.

The Chilean Navy confirmed that the driver was an off-duty member of the force and said it was cooperating with investigators to determine the exact cause of the crash. The Navy also expressed condolences to the families of those killed and injured.

Chilean President José Antonio Kast described the incident as a moment of national mourning, saying government agencies were assisting victims and working to establish responsibility.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the fatal crash, with officials collecting evidence and witness statements to determine what led to the deadly collision at the market.