Six dead after vehicle plows into crowd at Chilean street fair

A tragic incident occurred Sunday morning in Viña del Mar, Chile, when a vehicle veered onto a sidewalk and crashed into a crowd at a street fair, killing six people and injuring seven others. The event took place on Avenida Alessandri in the Gómez Carreño sector. According to Carabineros Colonel Jorge Guaita, the driver "reportedly lost control" of the SUV, with the exact causes still under investigation. Witnesses stated the vehicle was speeding before mounting the sidewalk and overturning, hitting pedestrians and vendors. The vehicle came to a stop after colliding with a public transport stop. The deceased include three men and three women, all adults. Among the seven injured are two eight-month-old twins, who sustained minor injuries and are in stable condition at Gustavo Fricke Hospital. The driver, who was subdued by fair attendees before police arrived, is undergoing alcohol and blood tests. While an initial breathalyzer test was negative, authorities are investigating the possibility of other substances affecting the driver. The Chilean Navy confirmed the driver was an off-duty member of their institution. The Navy expressed deep regret for the loss of life and extended condolences to the victims' families, while also pledging full cooperation with the investigation.