Chile: Huge Cloud Of Smoke Engulfs Highway As Truck Carrying Liquefied Gas Explodes In Santiago

Santiago: At least four people were killed and 17 more were injured when a truck carrying liquefied gas exploded on a highway in Santiago, Chile, on Thursday, local authorities told the media. Video footage revealed that a large cloud of gas engulfed the highway after the blast which happened due to a vehicle affiliated with the local gas company Gasco.

What did the authorities say?

According to the authorities, the truck driver was among those killed in the blast, which occurred in the northern Santiago district of Renca, near a major highway and an industrial area. Firefighters told the media that the explosion was felt within a 150–200 metre radius. At least 50 vehicles were damaged. 

According to a local police chief, the driver lost control and crashed, which led to the explosion. New video footage shows a thick cloud of white smoke taking over the road. Authorities say four people are deceased, including the truck driver, and 17 others were injured.

NEW: Truck transporting liquid gas overturns and explodes in Santiago, Chile.

According to a local police chief, the driver lost control and crashed, which led to the explosion.

New video footage shows a thick cloud of white smoke taking over the road.

Authorities say… pic.twitter.com/01EaEIJBPC

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What did Chile Presidenr say?

"Government teams are deployed and working together with the competent institutions to protect the population due to the smoke in the area," President Gabriel Boric said in a statement on social media platform X.

Claudio Orrego, governor of the Santiago metropolitan region, said five people were in serious condition."One has burns covering 100% of their body with imminent risk to their life," Orrego said.