Amanze Chinonye
At least four people were killed and 17 others injured Thursday morning after a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker truck overturned and exploded along Route 5 North at the intersection with General Velásquez in the Renca district of Santiago.
Authorities said the truck, operated by Chilean gas distributor Gasco, lost control before crashing into highway barriers and overturning onto the roadway.
General Víctor Vielma, head of the Traffic, Highways and Road Safety Zone, said the impact caused a rupture in the tanker’s container.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“The truck collided, struck the barrier, and overturned. As a result, and due to the flammable product it was carrying, an explosion occurred,” he told reporters at the scene.
Investigators believe liquefied gas escaped from the damaged tank and ignited after coming into contact with a spark, possibly generated by friction between metal components or electrical systems.
The blast wave and resulting fire engulfed the overturned tanker and at least seven passenger vehicles travelling on the highway at the time. Flames quickly spread beyond the crash site into a nearby industrial area, igniting vehicles parked at a company facility and damaging the metal structure of another business.
Emergency officials described the fire as highly complex due to the volume of flammable material involved. More than 25 firefighting companies were deployed to contain the blaze and cool the tanker’s remaining gas container to prevent further explosions.
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The Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the truck driver died at the scene and is among the four fatalities. Prosecutor Cañas said forensic teams are facing difficulties identifying the deceased because of the severity of the fire damage.
“The identification is challenging due to the nature of having participated in a fire of this magnitude. Our aim is to identify the victims and inform their families directly,” he said.
Chile’s disaster response agency, Servicio Nacional de Prevención y Respuesta ante Desastres (Senapred), reported that 17 people sustained injuries, five of them in critical condition with life-threatening burns and trauma. Authorities cautioned that the number of victims could rise as rescue teams complete operations at the scene.
All injured individuals were treated by highway emergency personnel and the Emergency Medical Attention Service (SAMU). Three were transported to Posta Central, one of the capital’s main high-complexity hospitals, while others received care at medical facilities in Renca.
The explosion’s shockwave also struck a freight train travelling along an adjacent railway line. Ferrocarril del Pacífico S.A. (Fepasa) confirmed that its locomotive was impacted, though the crew escaped unharmed. The company said it is assessing material damage.
Thick smoke from the blaze spread across northern and central parts of Santiago, prompting authorities to advise residents to keep windows closed and limit outdoor exposure while emergency operations continued.
President Gabriel Boric, who was on official duty in Rapa Nui at the time, interrupted his agenda to address the incident. He confirmed the four fatalities and described the event as a serious accident, extending condolences to the families of the victims and pledging continued government monitoring of the situation.
Prosecutors and traffic investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and examining the wreckage to determine whether speed, mechanical failure or other factors contributed to the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
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