An off-duty member of the Chilean navy drove his private car into a bustling open-air market in Viña del Mar on Sunday morning, killing at least six people and injuring seven, according to local authorities. The incident occurred shortly before 9 a.m. at the Feria Caupolicán, a traditional market in the Gómez Carreño neighbourhood that operates on Thursdays and Sundays and draws large crowds.

The driver, who was taken into custody after bystanders prevented him from fleeing and attempted to attack him, was later identified by the navy as an active-duty sailor on leave. A breathalyzer test administered by Carabineros, Chile's national police, returned a reading of 0.0, ruling out alcohol as an immediate factor in the crash. The navy issued a statement expressing condolences to the families of the victims and confirming it had opened an internal administrative inquiry.

Among the dead were three women and three men, all adults, officials reported. Seven injured people – including two minors – were taken to Hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke; none were in life-threatening condition, and medical sources described their wounds as mostly light. Witnesses told police the vehicle was travelling at excessive speed before it veered into the market area and struck shoppers and vendors.

The cause remains unclear. Investigators are examining whether a mechanical failure, a medical episode, or driver error could have contributed, authorities said. No motive has been established, and the investigation is in its early stages, with officials calling on anyone with information to come forward. The toll is provisional pending further inquiries.