Driver plows into street festival in Viña del Mar – at least six dead and seven injured

At least six people were killed in the disaster, according to police. „Sieben weitere Menschen seien ebenfalls angefahren und verletzt worden“, erklärt der Polizeivertreter weiter. The injured were taken to surrounding hospitals. Investigations are ongoing into the exact sequence of events and the number of those affected.

An eyewitness told media outlets that the car had driven at high speed onto the sidewalk, where people – including, presumably, street vendors – had been gathered. „Eine Augenzeugin sagte, der Fahrer sei mit hoher Geschwindigkeit auf den Gehsteig gefahren, wo sich Menschen, darunter vermutlich auch Straßenhändler, aufhielten." The festival was taking place outdoors when the vehicle suddenly plowed into the crowd.

Eyewitness accounts

According to initial findings, the driver is a non-commissioned officer of the Chilean Marine Infantry who, at the time of the incident, was in his vehicle privately and off-duty. „Er sei ein Unteroffizier der Infanteriemarine, der außerhalb seiner Dienstzeit privat unterwegs war, teilte die Marine mit." The Navy confirmed the man's identity and announced an internal investigation. The driver was arrested immediately after the disaster.

The TVN channel reported, citing investigative sources, that the man had stated after his arrest that he had fainted and could not remember anything. „Der Mann habe erklärt, dass er ohnmächtig geworden sei und sich an nichts erinnern könne, berichtete der Sender TVN." An alcohol test is being conducted on him, according to the investigative authorities. Whether drugs or medication played a role is the subject of the ongoing investigations.

Identity of the driver

Chile's President José Antonio Kast reacted to the incident on Sunday, calling it a tragedy that has plunged the entire country into mourning. „Chiles Präsident José Antonio Kast sprach von einer Tragödie, die das ganze Land in Trauer versetze." On the platform X, he expressed his condolences to the victims' families and announced state support.

In a written statement, the head of state wrote: „Alle staatlichen Institutionen setzen sich dafür ein, den Betroffenen zu helfen und die Verantwortlichkeit für dieses schmerzliche Ereignis vollständig aufzuklären". He thereby assured that the police, judiciary, and administration are working closely together to fully clarify the circumstances of the disaster.

Statements from the driver

The city of Viña del Mar is a well-known seaside resort on Chile's Pacific coast, known for its beaches, its architecture, and a major international music festival. On Sunday, there was heavy foot traffic in the area when the disaster occurred. Rescue workers and police were on the scene within minutes and cordoned off the area extensively.

The Office of the Attorney General opened an investigation to reconstruct the exact circumstances of the incident. Witness statements, surveillance camera footage, and the results of the alcohol test are to be evaluated for this purpose. The question of whether a technical defect in the vehicle may have been present is also being examined, according to investigative sources.

President's reaction

The Chilean Navy confirmed in an initial statement the driver's affiliation with the Marine Infantry and pledged its full cooperation with the civilian authorities. The man was not on duty at the time of the incident and was on a private trip. Disciplinary measures will be considered once the investigations are completed.

Numerous videos and eyewitness accounts spread across social networks on Sunday, showing the vehicle driving into the crowd and people being hurled through the air. The images, which were not verified by all official sources, triggered dismay throughout the country. Several cities announced mourning events for the coming days.

The regional authorities set up a hotline for relatives and provided psychological support for survivors and witnesses. Hospitals in the Valparaíso region, to which Viña del Mar belongs, reported that several of the injured are being treated in intensive care in critical condition. The authorities urged the public to avoid speculation and to rely on official information.

Investigations and government response

The Chilean government announced that it would provide immediate financial assistance to the victims' families. President Kast will also travel to Viña del Mar in the coming days to speak personally with relatives and rescue workers. This is intended to send a signal of solidarity and shared mourning.

Internationally, several Latin American states expressed their condolences. The presidents of Argentina, Peru, and Colombia offered their condolences to the victims' families and offered Chile their support. International organizations such as the United Nations also expressed dismay at the tragedy.

The investigations are ongoing. Police called on any additional potential witnesses to come forward so that the exact sequence of events can be reconstructed. Until then, it remains unclear whether it was an accident, a medical emergency, or a deliberate act.