Chile fatal multi-vehicle collision in Valparaíso region

A high-energy multi-vehicle collision on the E-66 highway, known as the Ruta de la Fruta, resulted in at least 12 deaths and 15 injuries in the Santo Domingo commune of the Valparaíso region on Saturday morning.

The accident involved a heavy dump truck, an interprovincial microbus, and a passenger car. Preliminary reports suggest a head-on collision occurred between the truck and the bus, with the car subsequently becoming involved. The impact was severe, particularly affecting the front of the microbus and the drivers of the vehicles.

Among the 15 injured are two minors, aged 3 and 11. Several victims remain in critical condition. Most of the deceased were identified as adults traveling on the microbus. Emergency services, including approximately 50 firefighters, worked for over an hour to extract victims trapped in the wreckage.

Authorities, including the Carabineros' Traffic Accident Investigation Section (SIAT), have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. One hypothesis being examined is whether the truck crossed the center line before striking the bus.