Viña del Mar, Chile—Six people are dead following a violent collision at a street festival in the coastal city of Viña del Mar. The incident occurred on Sunday, July 12, 2026, when a private vehicle plowed into a group of merchants and festival-goers. Local police confirmed the fatalities shortly after the scene was secured.

The driver, identified as an off-duty petty officer with the Chilean Navy, reportedly lost control of the car while speeding on a road adjacent to the fairground. The vehicle mounted the sidewalk and struck several stalls before coming to a stop against a bus stop. Most of the deceased were individuals working as vendors at the outdoor market.

Seven additional people were transported to Gustavo Fricke Hospital with various traumatic injuries. Hospital officials confirmed that the survivors are stable and their lives are not in danger. Among those treated were two infants, though medical staff have ruled out critical outcomes for the group.

Video footage from residential security cameras circulated online shortly after the crash. The clips show the vehicle plunging into the stalls, sending debris and people scattering. Bystanders were seen rushing toward the wreckage, while others pursued the driver as he attempted to exit the vehicle.

The driver was taken into police custody immediately following the crash. Initial breathalyzer tests conducted by authorities returned negative results for alcohol consumption. Officials have stated that weather conditions, including rain, may have contributed to the driver losing control of the vehicle.

President Jose Antonio Kast addressed the nation on social media, expressing condolences to the families of the victims. He noted that the tragedy has left the country in mourning. The Chilean Navy issued a formal statement confirming their cooperation with civil authorities to establish the exact circumstances of the incident.

The site of the accident remained cordoned off for several hours as forensic teams documented the scene. Scraps of clothing, shattered merchandise, and damaged cardboard boxes littered the road. Firefighters and paramedics worked to clear the area before the investigation proceeded to the next stage.

Authorities are still interviewing witnesses to reconstruct the exact speed and trajectory of the vehicle. The detained officer is expected to face further questioning as the judicial process unfolds. For now, the community of Viña del Mar remains in a state of shock as they begin to organize memorials for the victims.