At least four people were killed and 17 others injured after a truck transporting liquid gas overturned and exploded in Chile’s capital, Santiago, authorities said on Thursday.
The incident occurred in the northern commune of Renca, near a major highway and an industrial area.
As per reports, the driver of the vehicle had lost control before the truck crashed and subsequently exploded. The driver was among those killed.
The prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. The truck was affiliated with local gas company Gasco, which did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Footage shared on social media showed large plumes of flames rising from the scene of the blast. Firefighters said the explosion was felt within a radius of approximately 150 to 200 metres and damaged at least 50 vehicles.
President Gabriel Boric reportedly said debris from the explosion struck three nearby businesses, though there were no immediate reports of further extensive structural damage.
Reports citing Claudio Orrego, governor of the Santiago metropolitan region, five of the injured were in serious condition. “One has burns covering 100 per cent of their body with imminent risk to their life,” Orrego said.
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