A driver kills six people when he runs over during the Caupolican Festival in Chile

At least six people were killed and seven others injured on Sunday after They were run over by a car during a shopping festival in the city of Viña del Mar, west of the capital Santiago, according to Chile, indicating the arrest of the driver.

Vina del Mar police Colonel Jorge Guaita told Agence France-Presse that "The driver, for reasons that are not yet clear, apparently lost control of his vehicle, which led to him running over a number of pedestrians on the outskirts of the Caupolican Festival."

Guaita stated "Six people have died so far, seven others have been injured, and fortunately, all of them are in good condition"

Excessive speed

Initial statements collected by the police indicate that the car was traveling at excessive speed on a road adjacent to the market.

The Chilean Navy reported that the driver was a non-commissioned officer in the Navy, and was off duty at the time of the accident. He was arrested and is being investigated, according to the police.

Photos taken after the accident show a white car with a smashed windshield and part of its hood. Surrounding the car on the ground were clothes, cardboard boxes and other items that appeared to be from the market.

Initial Reports

Valparaíso Regional Presidential Delegate Manuel Melones Chirino stated that according to initial police reports, the man was not "Under the influence of alcohol"It is likely that he lost control of his car "Because of the spray"

The identities of the victims have not yet been confirmed, but based on preliminary witness testimonies, it is believed that most of them are traders in the market, according to Melones.

Off-duty

According to the Chilean Navy, the driver was an employee of the institution, and he was off-duty and driving a private car.

The Navy expressed "It deeply regrets the huge loss of life resulting from this tragedy"It confirmed its cooperation with the investigation to uncover the circumstances of the accident.

Chilean President Jose Antonio Caste said "The Viña del Mar tragedy puts the entire country in mourning"He offered his condolences to the families of the victims.

Help those affected

He added "All state institutions are working to help those affected and clearly determine the responsibilities for this painful incident"

The municipality of Viña del Mar indicated that it provides legal and psychological support to the victims.

Viña del Mar is located about 120 kilometers west of Santiago, the capital of Chile, on the Pacific coast.

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