At least four people were killed and 17 others injured after a truck transporting liquid gas overturned and exploded in Santiago, Chile, authorities said on Thursday.

The accident occurred in the northern Santiago commune of Renca, near a major highway and an industrial area. Police said the truck driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to crash before the explosion.

The driver was among those killed in the incident, authorities confirmed. The prosecutor’s office opened an investigation to determine the circumstances leading up to the crash and explosion.

The truck was affiliated with local gas company Gasco. The company had not immediately responded to a request for comment following the incident.

Videos shared on social media showed large flames rising from the site as firefighters worked to contain the aftermath of the explosion.

Firefighters said the blast was felt within a radius of approximately 150 to 200 meters and damaged at least 50 vehicles in the surrounding area.

President Gabriel Boric said debris from the explosion reached three nearby businesses. Authorities had not reported any broader damage beyond the immediate area.

Five of the injured people were reported to be in serious condition, according to Claudio Orrego, governor of the Santiago metropolitan region.

Orrego said one of those seriously injured had burns covering the entirety of their body and was facing an imminent threat to their life.

Firefighters and emergency teams remained at the scene as authorities investigated the crash and worked to assess the full extent of the damage.

SOURCE: Reuters, Fabian Cambero, February 19–20, 2026.