At least three people were killed and ten others injured after a massive gas tanker truck exploded in the Chilean capital Santiago on Thursday, triggering a major fire and thick plumes of black smoke over the urban skyline.
The incident occurred along the busy General Velásquez Highway in the Renca district, sending emergency services rushing to the scene amid fears of further casualties.
According to General Víctor Vielma, head of traffic and road safety authorities, the disaster began when the driver of the liquefied gas truck lost control for reasons still under investigation. The vehicle reportedly crashed into concrete barriers before overturning and exploding almost immediately.
The powerful blast ignited a large fireball, rapidly spreading flames and burning gas across the roadway.
Preliminary figures from the Carabineros police and firefighting teams confirmed:
3 fatalities, whose vehicles were crushed and burned
10 injured, with wounds ranging from moderate to critical
7 passenger vehicles damaged after being caught in the fire wave
The injured were transported urgently to nearby hospitals, while emergency crews worked to contain the blaze and secure the area.
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