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A catastrophic Chile truck explosion sent shockwaves through the capital city of Santiago on Thursday, resulting in at least four confirmed fatalities and 17 injuries. The incident occurred in the northern commune of Renca when a tanker transporting liquid gas, affiliated with the local company Gasco, lost control and overturned near a heavily trafficked industrial zone.
According to the latest reports from the Santiago Metropolitan Region, the blast was so powerful it was felt within a 200-meter radius, incinerating a nearby parking lot and sending debris flying into local businesses. Emergency crews remain on high alert as five of the injured survivors are currently in critical condition with life-threatening burns.
What Caused the Deadly Santiago Gas Tanker Blast?
The tragedy may have started when the driver lost control of the big car, according to preliminary investigations conducted by the Carabineros police force and the Chilean Prosecutor's Office. The truck apparently collided with a guardrail on the highway before toppling over, causing a huge spill of flammable liquid gas.
Official Timeline: The accident took place during the early morning hours, a peak time for highway commuters.
The Ignition: Within seconds of the crash, the leaking gas ignited, creating a "fireball" effect that trapped nearby motorists.
Company Involvement: The truck was operated under the Gasco brand; however, the company has yet to release a formal statement regarding the mechanical state of the vehicle or the driver’s logs.
At least 4 people died and 17 others were injured in Chile on Thursday in an explosion involving a liquefied gas truck that overturned in Renca, a northern district of the capital, Santiago de Chile. pic.twitter.com/TB9OsFbnVA
— NTD News (@NTDNews) February 20, 2026
Casualties and Extent of Damage in Renca
The scale of the Chile truck explosion has left the local community in mourning. Governor Claudio Orrego confirmed the grim statistics, noting that the victims included the truck driver and individuals in surrounding vehicles.
| Impact Category | Reported Figures |
| Confirmed Fatalities | 4 People |
| Total Injured | 17 People |
| Critical Condition | 5 Individuals (including 100% body burns) |
| Vehicles Destroyed | 50+ (primarily in a neighboring auction lot) |
| Structural Damage | 3 local businesses impacted by debris |
The Chile truck explosion stands as one of the most severe industrial transport accidents in Santiago's recent history. As prosecutors dig into the cause of the fatal crash, the focus remains on the survival of the critically injured. National authorities are expected to review hazardous material transport protocols to prevent such a tragedy from recurring on the nation's busy highways.
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