Home / Disasters and Accidents / Gas Tanker Explodes in Santiago, Killing Four
Gas Tanker Explodes in Santiago, Killing Four
22 Feb
Summary
- A gas tanker overturned, causing a massive explosion.
- Four people died, including the driver, and 17 were injured.
- The blast destroyed at least 50 cars and affected nearby businesses.
A catastrophic event unfolded in Santiago, Chile, when a gas tanker truck overturned, triggering a massive explosion and fire that claimed four lives and injured 17 individuals. The incident occurred recently on a highway in the Renca commune, near an industrial area. Chilling footage captured the immediate aftermath as a dense, smoke-like gas cloud rapidly spread across the roadway, prompting panicked motorists to flee.
The fiery blast was powerful enough to obliterate approximately 50 vehicles and scatter debris into three local businesses. Firefighters responded swiftly to extinguish the flames and manage the dangerous scene. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash, with initial indications suggesting the driver may have lost control.
This tragic accident occurred approximately one month after devastating wildfires swept through Chile in mid-January 2026, which claimed 18 lives and led to the evacuation of 50,000 people in the Nuble and Biobio regions. President Gabriel Boric had declared a state of emergency during that earlier crisis.
