On Thursday morning (February 19), a gas truck overturned and exploded in Santiago, the capital of Chile, with a tremendous force, resulting in at least 4 deaths and 17 injuries, many of whom are in critical condition.
According to Reuters, the accident occurred at 8 am local time. A truck owned by the local gas company Gasco, responsible for transporting natural gas, lost control and overturned while driving in the Renca district near major highways and industrial areas in the north. It then triggered a violent explosion. The driver also died in the accident.
The fire at the scene was intense, with thick smoke billowing upwards, and related footage was widely circulated on social media. Firefighters stated that the explosion was so powerful that tremors could be felt within a range of about 150 to 200 meters, and at least 50 vehicles were damaged to varying degrees.
In addition, the shockwave of the explosion also threw parts of the truck wreckage onto nearby buildings, affecting at least three businesses.
Santiago Metropolitan Region Governor Claudio Orrego stated that the outlook for the injured is grim, with one person sustaining severe burns to the entire body and having little chance of survival; another four suffered burns covering 60% of their bodies and are still in extremely critical condition.
President Boric indicated that although the explosion affected nearby shops, no reports of more widespread damage have been received so far. Authorities have cordoned off the scene and launched a further investigation in order to clarify the truth of the incident.