Navy corporal crashes car into fair, leaving 6 dead and multiple injured in Chile

A tragic incident unfolded in Viña del Mar, Chile, when an off-duty Navy corporal drove his vehicle into a bustling street fair, resulting in six fatalities and multiple injuries. The accident occurred on July 12, 2026, in the Valparaíso region, approximately 120 kilometers from the capital, Santiago.

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The Armada of Chile informs that, during Sunday morning, July 12, an Institution member, who was off duty and driving a private vehicle, was involved in a serious traffic accident that occurred on 24 Norte avenue in Viña del Mar.

The vehicle reportedly overturned onto market stalls at the Feria Caupolicán, instantly killing three men and three women. At least seven people were injured, including a mother and her infant twins, who are reported to be out of danger. The Chilean Navy confirmed the incident in a statement, expressing deep regret and offering condolences to the victims' families.

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In principle, he was not under the influence of alcohol, but it was a bad maneuver and that caused this misfortune.

Preliminary investigations suggest the corporal was speeding and made a poor maneuver, leading to the deadly crash. Authorities confirmed he was not under the influence of alcohol. The local mayor has called for a rigorous and transparent investigation, requesting involvement from city officials and access to surveillance footage to aid the inquiry. The Navy has pledged full cooperation with the Public Ministry and police.

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The Armada of Chile deeply regrets the irreparable loss of human lives caused by this tragedy and expresses its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. Likewise, it expresses its wishes for a speedy and complete recovery to those injured.