SANTIAGO DE CHILE — Morning rush hour turned into a scene of devastation in seconds. A gas tanker truck exploded on one of the busiest highways in Chile’s capital, killing several people, injuring many others and sending shockwaves across the city as flames and smoke engulfed vehicles and nearby buildings.
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A routine commute becomes a catastrophe
The accident occurred Thursday at approximately 8:22 a.m. local time near the junction of Ruta 5 Norte and General Velásquez in the northwestern district of Renca. According to preliminary investigations, a tanker operated by the energy company Gasco struck concrete barriers, overturned and ruptured its pressurized container.
Escaping gas likely ignited moments later — possibly sparked by metal friction or the vehicle’s engine — triggering a massive explosion that engulfed surrounding traffic.
Authorities confirmed at least four fatalities, including the tanker driver, and at least 17 injured victims. Five remain in critical condition.
Witnesses describe chaos and panic
Surveillance cameras and mobile phone recordings captured the precise moment of the blast. A towering column of smoke expanded rapidly across the highway, swallowing vehicles within seconds.
Rafael Nova and his son Juan Pablo were driving to work nearby when the explosion occurred.
“At first it looked like a normal accident — then suddenly everything exploded,” Juan Pablo told local media.
His father described a desperate escape:
“We had to reverse immediately. The fire was already reaching our car. We were lucky to survive.”
When they cautiously returned minutes later, they encountered a horrifying scene: injured people lying on the asphalt, some still burning.
At least seven vehicles were destroyed directly on the highway, while additional cars burned inside a nearby repair workshop. Dense smoke spread across several districts, significantly worsening air quality in parts of Santiago.
Massive emergency response
More than 25 fire units battled the flames for hours. Firefighters finally contained the blaze after nearly nine hours, primarily by cooling the gas tank to prevent secondary explosions.
Emergency medical teams transported severely injured victims to Posta Central Hospital, while others remain hospitalized in Renca. Officials warned the death toll could rise.
Prosecutors launched a criminal investigation. According to prosecutor Macarena Cañas, early video analysis suggests the truck may have lost control due to excessive speed.
Political reaction and safety concerns
Chile’s President Gabriel Boric, speaking during an official visit to Easter Island, expressed condolences and said national agencies were coordinating efforts to protect residents from smoke and fire hazards.
The disaster has reignited debate over hazardous-material transport through densely populated urban corridors. Santiago — one of Latin America’s largest metropolitan areas — faces growing logistical pressure as traffic density increases.
Safety experts warn similar incidents could become more likely without stricter regulations and infrastructure redesign.