At least four people were killed and 17 others injured after a truck carrying liquid gas overturned and exploded in Chile’s capital, Santiago, on Thursday, authorities said.
The deadly blast occurred in the northern commune of Renca, near a major highway and an industrial zone. Police said the truck driver lost control of the vehicle before it crashed and exploded. The driver was among those killed in the incident.
Tragična nesreča v Čilu 🇨🇱, eksplozija vlačilca cisterne z utekočinjenim plinom.https://t.co/gUc7whneswpic.twitter.com/mSb1pX9TvV— Schall_abweiser0002 (@Schallabweiser2)February 20, 2026
The prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. The truck was affiliated with local gas company Gasco, which did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Dramatic videos circulating on social media showed towering flames and thick smoke billowing from the explosion site. Firefighters said the blast was felt within a radius of 150 to 200 metres and damaged at least 50 vehicles.
Chile’s President Gabriel Boric said debris from the explosion struck three nearby businesses, though there were no immediate reports of broader structural damage.
Claudio Orrego, governor of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, said five people were in serious condition. “One has burns covering 100% of their body with imminent risk to their life," he said.
Source: World News in news18.com, World Latest News, World News
