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 said, as cited by Reuters.
Footage showed a large gas cloud engulfing the highway after the blast involving a vehicle affiliated with the local gas company Gasco.
Authorities said 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 said the explosion was felt within a 150–200 metre radius and damaged at least 50 vehicles.
President Gabriel Boric said debris struck three businesses, though there were no immediate reports of wider damage.
"Government teams are deployed and working together with the competent institutions to protect the population due to the smoke in the area," Boric said through a post on 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, as cited by Reuters.
