Tanker explodes in huge fireball on highway killing four and injuring 17 others

Tanker explodes in huge fireball on highway killing four and injuring 17 others Sarah Ping Sarah Ping Published February 21, 2026 4:16pm Updated February 21, 2026 4:16pm Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook Comment now Comments

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Thick plumes of smoke billow across a highway following a terrifying gas explosion that killed four people and hurt more than a dozen others.

At least 17 others were injured after a truck carrying liquid gas overturned and exploded on a carriageway in Santiago, Chile, on Thursday.

CCTV footage taken from the Route 5 motorway in the Renca commune shows the terrifying moment the carriageway begins to disappear behind a spreading white cloud.

The plumes of thick smoke create a blanket over the motorway, engulfing nearby vehicles.

The explosion was felt within a radius of around 150 to 200 metres, and at least 50 vehicles were damaged in the inferno, firefighters said.

Firefighters and other emergency services remain at the scene while police continue their investigations (Picture: EPA)

It is understood that the truck driver, who was affiliated with gas company Gasco, lost control and crashed, according to local police.

The driver is believed to have died in the incident, the police chief said.

An investigation has been launched to determine the full details of the incident, Reuters reported.

Debris from the blast flew into three businesses located near the highway, but there have been no reports of further widespread damage, President Gabriel Boric said.

At least five people were reportedly in a serious condition, according to Santiago’s governor, Claudio Orrego.

‘One has burns covering 100% of their body with imminent risk to their life,’ he said.

The driver of a truck carrying liquid gas is understood to have lost control (Picture: EPA)

Some have shared the harrowing moments following the initial blast as people rushed to rescue those impacted.

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A witness told local outlet 24 Horas he saw burned victims lying on the pavement.

‘We couldn’t get people out of the cars, but we were able to rescue one or two people who were burned on the pavement,’ he said.

Firefighters and emergency services remain at the scene while an investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

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