A massive wave flipped a government car on its side after Monday's powerful El Nino storms thrashed the Chilean coast.

Bystanders recorded the waves, reaching up to 5m in height, coming to close for comfort after the powerful storm rocked the coast in Vina del Mar city in Chile on January 25.

View photos Giant waves, reaching up to 5 metres in height, have been captured hitting Chile's coastline. Photo: YouTube More

View photos This is the moment the vehicle is completely flipped on its side by a massive wave in Chile. Photo: YouTube More

One of the waves can be seen smashing into a car, believed to be a civil defence SUV, and completely overturning it as people run to safety.

The passengers miraculously escaped as passersby come to their rescue, The Telegraph reported, also adding these waves were the biggest in the region since 2003.

Local media said sightseers were warned of the potential danger these waves can cause.

View photos High waves pounded Chile's coastline from Arica to Los Lagos on January 25. Photo: REUTERS/Rodrigo Garrido More

This isn't the first time a freak wave has caught bystanders by surprise.

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Incredible video capturing the wrath of the ferocious weather that hit New South Wales' eastern regions this week has been caught by a ferry worker in Sydney.