A gas tanker truck overturned and exploded on a highway in Renca, in Santiago, Chile, on 19 February 2026. The blast and fire killed four people at first, Reuters reported. By 28 February, the death toll had risen to 13.
Key Facts
- When: About 8:30am, 19 February 2026.
- Where: Ruta 5 Norte (Autopista General Velásquez), Renca, Santiago.
- Truck: A liquefied gas tanker from the company Gasco.
- Deaths: 13 by 28 February, including the truck driver.
- Injured: 17 at first. Eight people were still in hospital on 28 February, four of them critical.
What Happened
The tanker rolled over on the motorway. It then exploded and caught fire. Seven cars and two motorbikes were hit. More than 50 cars parked on nearby land were burned.
The Victims
The 13th person to die was security guard Manuel Garrido Fuentes, aged 49. The truck driver was among those killed.
The Investigation
Prosecutors are investigating the crash. Speeding is the main theory being looked at. No final finding had been released at the time of writing.
Correction
An earlier version of this story said the crash released toxic gas. The truck carried liquefied gas, which exploded and burned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people died in the Renca tanker explosion?
Four people died at first. By 28 February 2026, the toll had risen to 13.
What caused the crash?
Prosecutors are investigating. Speeding is the main theory.
Where did it happen?
On Ruta 5 Norte in Renca, a part of Santiago, Chile.
Conclusion
The Renca explosion is one of Chile’s worst road disasters in recent years. The investigation is continuing.
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