Horrific Chile Accident: Gas Tanker Overturns, Massive Explosion Engulfs 50 Vehicles in Flames
Santiago: February 24, 2026
Tragic incident in Chile’s capital where liquefied gas tanker overturned on highway. Immediate massive explosion killed 4, seriously injured 17. Event at General Velasquez Avenue-Route 5 North junction in Renca area.
Driver lost control, hit railing, tanker flipped. CCTV shows toxic gas cloud rapidly spreading before everything engulfed in fireball. Gasco company tanker damaged ~50 vehicles; flames visible 1 km away.
Santiago Metropolitan Governor Claudio Orrego: One victim 100% burns, life-threatening. Includes tanker driver. Fire reached nearby buildings; 200m radius impact felt.
Eyewitnesses fled vehicles as gas cloud expanded too fast. Police/road safety probe underway to determine exact cause. Incident created widespread panic.