At least four people, including the truck driver, were killed when a liquid gas truck overturned and exploded in Renca, northern Santiago. Seventeen others were injured and five are in serious condition, with one person reported to have burns over their entire body. Firefighters said the blast was felt within 150–200 meters and damaged about 50 vehicles. The prosecutor's office is investigating; the truck was linked to Gasco, which had not yet commented.
Liquid Gas Truck Overturns and Explodes in Santiago, Killing Four and Injuring 17
A drone view shows firefighters working at the site of a deadly explosion, according to local media, in Santiago, Chile, February 19, 2026. REUTERS/Pablo Sanhueza TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
At least four people were killed and 17 were injured after a truck carrying liquid gas overturned and exploded in the Renca commune of northern Santiago, Chile, authorities said.
Firefighters work at the site of a deadly explosion, according to local media, in Santiago, Chile, February 19, 2026. REUTERS/Pablo Sanhueza
Incident Details
Police and emergency responders said the truck lost control and crashed; the driver was among the dead, a police chief told reporters. Video posted on social media showed tall plumes of flame and heavy smoke at the scene, which is near a major highway and an industrial area.
Firefighters work at the site of a deadly explosion, according to local media, in Santiago, Chile, February 19, 2026. REUTERS/Pablo Sanhueza
Casualties and Damage
Firefighters said the blast was felt within a radius of roughly 150 to 200 meters and damaged at least 50 vehicles nearby. Officials reported that five victims were in serious condition. Claudio Orrego, governor of the Santiago metropolitan region, said one victim had burns covering 100% of their body and faced imminent life-threatening risk.
A member of the SIAT (Traffic Accident Investigation Section) police works at the site of a deadly explosion, according to local media, in Santiago, Chile, February 19, 2026. REUTERS/Pablo Sanhueza
"One has burns covering 100% of their body with imminent risk to their life," Orrego said.
Investigation and Response
The prosecutor's office has opened an investigation to determine the cause of the crash and subsequent explosion. The vehicle was affiliated with local gas company Gasco, which had not immediately responded to requests for comment. Authorities continue to work at the scene to secure the area and assess further damage.
A burnt car following a deadly explosion, according to local media, in Santiago, Chile, February 19, 2026. REUTERS/Pablo Sanhueza
President Gabriel Boric noted that debris reached three businesses but that there were no immediate reports of broader structural collapse. Emergency services remained on site treating the injured and managing hazards from residual gas and fire risks.
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