Three people have been killed and ten others injured in an explosion in Chile’s capital, Santiago.

According to local media reports, the explosion was caused by a truck carrying gas. Strong fire brigade forces, Carabineros de Chile personnel and at least five ambulances were rushed to the scene.

The incident occurred at approximately 08:22 (local time) at the intersection of Los Atacameños and Avenida Fresia, near the Autopista General Velásquez highway.

After the explosion, a fireball spread in all directions, hitting vehicles on the highway, including a bus with passengers and a truck carrying gas cylinders. Security company outposts in the area were also damaged.

Visual footage from the scene shows an apparent gas leak, which was followed by extensive burning and a powerful shockwave. The explosion caused a dense column of smoke, visible from several points in the northern part of the Santiago Metropolitan District.

At a preliminary stage, authorities are investigating whether the explosion was caused by a leaking and ignited gas canopy or by the truck carrying the cylinders. The flames spread to an auction company’s vehicle warehouse, causing severe property damage, as well as to neighboring facilities.