Gas Truck Explosion in Santiago Leaves Five Dead, Dozens Critically Injured
Santiago, Chile – A devastating explosion following a gas truck accident on the Ruta 5 Norte highway near Renca has claimed the lives of five people and left at least seventeen others injured, many with critical, life-threatening burns. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, February 19, 2026, involved a Gasco-owned tanker truck carrying liquefied gas and has prompted a large-scale emergency response and a formal investigation into the cause of the crash. The scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local medical facilities, with patients requiring specialized burn care being distributed across the Metropolitan Region.
The accident took place at the intersection of Ruta 5 Norte and General Velásquez, a major transportation artery north of Santiago. According to initial reports, the Gasco truck lost control for reasons currently under investigation, leading to a rollover and subsequent ignition of the highly flammable cargo. The resulting explosion sent a massive column of smoke billowing into the air, visible for miles, and ignited fires in nearby businesses. Videos circulating online, captured by motorists and security cameras, demonstrate the dramatic moment of the explosion and the immediate aftermath, with debris scattered across the highway. Footage from Radio Bío Bío shows the truck overturning and colliding with Latest Jersey barriers before the explosion.
Critical Condition for Many of the Injured
The severity of the injuries sustained in the explosion is particularly concerning. Bernardo Martorell, the Deputy Minister of Health Networks (Subsecretario de Redes Asistenciales), stated that sixteen of the injured are in critical condition, suffering burns covering more than 50% of their bodies. Six of those individuals have burns exceeding 80% of their total body surface area. “The first 48 hours are the most sensitive, the most critical. They remain at high risk for weeks while the condition of severe burns stabilizes,” Martorell emphasized. El Mostrador reports that five patients remain at risk of death and are under constant monitoring.
Six patients were initially transported to the Mutual de Seguridad in Alameda, located in the Estación Central commune, with five listed in grave condition. Authorities are monitoring a seventh patient who may be transferred to the facility from another clinic in the Metropolitan Region later on Friday. The decision to transfer will be made by medical teams once the patient is stabilized.
Investigation Underway, Gasco Cooperating
The Fiscalía (Public Prosecutor’s Office) has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, focusing on the possibility that the truck driver was speeding at the time of the crash. The driver, an employee of Gasco, was among those killed in the explosion. The truck was transporting liquefied gas from a terminal in Quintero to the Gasco plant in Maipú. Gasco has issued a public statement expressing its condolences and pledging full cooperation with the investigation. According to El Gong, Gasco confirmed the death of the driver and its commitment to assisting authorities.
The Servicio Médico Legal (SML), Chile’s forensic medical service, has taken custody of the bodies of the deceased and will conduct autopsies to determine the cause of death and aid in identification. The Fiscalía has requested assistance from the Unidad de Casos Complejos (Complex Cases Unit) to conduct a final review of the accident site. The SML expressed its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
Impact on Traffic and Local Businesses
The explosion caused significant disruption to traffic on Ruta 5 Norte, with the highway closed in both directions for several hours. Authorities have rerouted traffic, but delays are expected to continue as the investigation and cleanup efforts proceed. Several nearby businesses also sustained damage from the fire, and their operations have been temporarily suspended. The full extent of the economic impact is still being assessed.
President Gabriel Boric has addressed the nation, expressing his condolences to the families of the victims and promising a thorough investigation into the incident. He also praised the swift response of emergency services and the dedication of medical personnel treating the injured. The government has pledged to provide support to the families of the victims and to assist businesses affected by the explosion.
The incident raises serious questions about the safety regulations governing the transportation of hazardous materials in Chile. While details are still emerging, the tragedy underscores the potential risks associated with the movement of flammable substances through densely populated areas. A review of existing safety protocols and potential improvements is expected to be a key outcome of the ongoing investigation.
As of Friday afternoon, February 20, 2026, authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. The next official update is expected from the Fiscalía on Monday, February 23, 2026, following a preliminary report from the Unidad de Casos Complejos.
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