On Thursday, a tragic explosion of a tanker truck on a highway in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, Chile, led to the deaths of four individuals and injured 17 others. The incident, which was captured by highway surveillance cameras, showed a massive white smoke cloud quickly engulfing the area just before the explosion occurred. In the aftermath, more than 50 vehicles were damaged, raising serious concerns about the safety and protocols in place for handling flammable materials on the roads.

The injuries sustained by the victims are severe; reports indicate that several individuals have critical burns, with five of them receiving urgent medical care. Among the tragic cases is a person who suffered burns over 100% of their body, leaving their chances of survival extremely uncertain. Four more victims are reported to have about 60% of their bodies burned, further highlighting the catastrophic nature of the explosion and the urgency for effective emergency response in such situations.

Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the explosion, with initial speculations pointing to potential speeding violations as a contributing factor. This incident raises significant safety concerns regarding the transportation of hazardous materials and the need for strict regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The focus will also likely be on how emergency services responded and what safety measures could be improved to protect both drivers and residents in these types of incidents.