At least four people died, and several people were injured after a truck transporting liquid gas overturned and exploded in Chile's capital, Santiago. The driver reportedly lost control of the truck and crashed.
A video of the incident also went viral, showing flames and plumes of smoke coming out of the site of the explosion. In the video, thick white smoke can be seen spreading rapidly and covering the entire road as cars stop midway.
The accident took place in the northern Santiago commune of Renca, near a major highway and an industrial area, news agency Reuters reported.
The truck was affiliated with a local gas company named Gasco, and the truck driver was among those who died in the incident.
The prosecutor's office is investigating what led up to the accident.
The explosion was reportedly felt within a radius of 120 to 200 metres and damaged at least 50 vehicles, the report said, citing firefighters.
President Gabriel Boric informed that some debris flew on three businesses, but so far, there have been no reports of further widespread damage.
Claudio Orrego, the governor of the Santiago metropolitan region, said that there are no reports of further widespread damage. He also said that the five people were in serious condition. One person suffered full-body burns and is in a life-threatening condition
Firefighters and emergency services reached the spot immediately and started rescue operations.
In a similar incident last month, a CNG-powered truck carrying highly inflammable foam material caught fire in Ludhiana, triggering four blasts. No one was injured in the incident.
In another incident, last year, a truck driver was burnt alive after the CNG cylinder of his vehicle exploded following a collision on a flyover in Punjab. The driver was en route to deliver goods to various shops when the accident occurred around 11pm.
A devastating explosion occurred in Santiago, Chile, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after a truck carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) overturned on a highway.
The footage, which has since gone viral, captures a haunting sequence: a massive white cloud of pressurized gas rapidly blankets the highway before igniting into a colossal fireball that incinerates everything in its path.
Key Details of the Incident
Casualties: At least 4 people were killed, including the truck driver.
Injuries: 17 people were injured, with 5 in critical condition. One victim reportedly suffered burns over 100% of their body.
Location: The commune of Renca, a northern district of Santiago near a major industrial zone and highway.
Property Damage: The blast was felt up to 200 meters away, damaging or destroying at least 50 vehicles and sending debris into three nearby businesses.
How the Disaster Unfolded
The Crash: The truck, operated by the local gas company Gasco, was traveling from a terminal in Quintero to a plant in Maipu. The driver reportedly lost control, striking a guardrail or barrier before the vehicle overturned.
The Gas Cloud: Immediately after flipping, high-pressure liquid gas began leaking, creating a thick, white "fog" that swallowed nearby cars and a cyclist visible in some versions of the footage.
The Ignition: Moments later, the gas found an ignition source, resulting in a massive explosion. President Gabriel Boric confirmed that emergency teams worked for hours to cool the remaining tanks and prevent secondary blasts.
Investigation Status
The prosecutor's office has launched a formal investigation. Preliminary reports suggest speeding or a loss of control as the primary cause. The highway remains a focal point for cleanup and forensic analysis as authorities determine if mechanical failure played a role.
Would you like me to look for updates on the condition of the injured victims or any official statements released by the Gasco company?
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