According to AFP and Associated Press reports, on July 12 local time, Chilean police reported that in the city of Biniamodelma, a car drove into the pedestrian walkway of the market, resulting in at least 6 deaths and 7 injuries.
The Chilean Navy stated that the driver who caused the accident was a naval officer on leave.
On July 12th local time, a car in Chile rammed into a marketplace. Associated Press
Police preliminary testimony states that the vehicle was speeding on a road near the Copolican market at that time.
Post-event photographs showed that the front windshield of a white car was broken, the hood was severely deformed, and there were scattered torn clothes, cardboard boxes, and other items that seemed to be from the market.
Chile's Valparaiso region president representative Mijones said that according to preliminary police reports, the man was not 'under the influence of alcohol', and it is likely that a small amount of rain caused the vehicle to lose control.
Mi Yongnes said that the identities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed, but based on preliminary testimony, it is believed that most of them were vendors.
Chile's Deputy Minister of Interior, Maximiliano Pavesi, stated that the driver responsible for the accident was arrested, and his breathalyzer test result was negative.
Police officer Jorge Guaita told The Associated Press that the driver said he couldn't remember anything, and the cause of the accident is still unknown.
Guayta said that eyewitness testimony indicates that the vehicle was moving at high speed in the correct direction at the time of the accident. When the vehicle hit the sidewalk, it turned. "Fortunately, the bus stop stopped it. Otherwise, it would have continued moving forward, causing even more damage."
According to a message sent by the Chilean National Police to AFP, 6 people have died and 7 others were injured. "Fortunately, all the injured people are in danger of life."
Chile's Gustavo Frick Hospital officials said that five injured people, including two infants, are being treated in the hospital and are not in life-threatening condition. Two other injured people have been discharged from the hospital.
The Chilean Navy said in a statement that the driver involved was a naval officer who was on leave and was driving a private vehicle. The Chilean Ministry of Defense stated that the driver involved was a corporal from the Marine Corps.
The Chilean Navy expressed deep regret over the 'irreparable loss of life caused by this tragedy', and stated that they are cooperating with the investigation to clarify the 'details of the accident'.
Chilean President Kast today posted on social media that the entire country is mourning. "All national institutions are working to assist those affected and thoroughly clarifying the responsibility for this tragic event."
According to reports, the Copoliqan market is open on Thursdays and Sundays, and usually attracts a large number of people.
