Gas Truck Explosion Kills 4, Injures 17 in Santiago

At least four people died and 17 others were injured when a truck carrying liquid gas overturned and exploded on a highway in northern Santiago, Chile, on Thursday.

The incident occurred in the Renca commune, near an industrial area along Route 5, a major motorway. Authorities reported that the truck driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to flip over and release a cloud of gas that quickly ignited into a massive fireball. The driver was among those killed in the blast. Police confirmed the details at a press conference, noting that the truck belonged to Gasco, a local gas distribution company.

Eyewitness footage captured the chaos as a thick, white gas cloud rapidly spread across the highway, forcing nearby motorists to swerve or reverse in an attempt to escape. Within seconds, the fumes engulfed the roadway, followed by an explosion that produced towering flames and plumes of smoke. Firefighters described the shockwave as being felt within a radius of 150 to 200 meters, damaging at least 50 vehicles and scattering debris into three nearby businesses. No broader structural damage to surrounding areas was reported.

Emergency services responded swiftly, with firefighters...