Santiago, Chile – A tanker truck carrying liquefied gas overturned and exploded in the Renca district of Santiago on Thursday, resulting in at least five confirmed fatalities and 17 injuries, authorities reported. The incident, which occurred at the intersection of General Velásquez highway and Route 5, a major transport corridor, triggered a large-scale fire and significant disruption to traffic in the area.
The explosion, which took place around 8:10 AM local time, sent a shockwave that damaged at least seven private vehicles traveling on the highway, completely destroying them, according to reports from emergency responders. Flames similarly spread to nearby facilities, impacting vehicles and structures belonging to a local company. The cause of the initial rollover remains under investigation, but police stated the driver lost control and struck safety barriers before the truck overturned.
Carabineros General Víctor Vielma confirmed the death toll during a press conference, stating that approximately ten individuals sustained injuries of varying severity. Authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage and potential for further incidents.
The blast’s impact was felt within an estimated 150-200 meter radius, according to firefighters on the scene. Emergency services, including firefighters, police, SAMU (Chile’s emergency medical service), and mutual aid organizations, mounted a large-scale operation to contain the blaze and secure the area, with concerns raised about a potential secondary explosion due to remaining cargo in the tanker. Authorities also issued warnings about heavy smoke and widespread traffic closures surrounding the incident site.
President Gabriel Boric, speaking from Rapa Nui (Easter Island), stated that government teams had been deployed to address the situation and protect the population from the smoke. He also offered condolences to the families of the victims, adding, “We will preserve following this,” according to Mercopress. Santiago Metropolitan Governor Claudio Orrego reported that at least five people were in serious condition.
The incident occurred in a sector bordering the Quilicura commune, impacting both communities. The Municipality of Renca activated its emergency protocol and deployed all available resources to the scene, according to local reports.
Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the accident, and the investigation is ongoing. No hypotheses have been ruled out at this time. The focus remains on fully extinguishing the fire, providing medical assistance to the injured, and securing the area to prevent further incidents.
The explosion and subsequent fire have caused significant disruption to transportation in the metropolitan area. Route 5, a critical transport corridor, remains closed in both directions, and authorities are advising motorists to avoid the area. The long-term impact on traffic flow and local businesses remains to be seen.
Image: A view of the aftermath of the explosion in Renca, Chile. (Source: La Nación)
Authorities will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, focusing on the cause of the truck’s loss of control and any potential safety violations. The findings of the investigation will be crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future. The immediate priority remains providing support to the victims and their families, and restoring normalcy to the affected communities.
As the investigation progresses, further details regarding the cause of the explosion and the extent of the damage are expected to emerge. The incident underscores the risks associated with the transportation of hazardous materials and the importance of stringent safety regulations and enforcement.
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