A traffic accident in the Lo Espejo commune in Santiago left three people dead and one in critical condition on Sunday morning. The crash happened when a private vehicle collided head-on with a minibus at an intersection with a sharp curve. The victims are from the same family, and authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incident.
The road accident occurred around 9:40 a.m. on Sunday, December 21, at the intersection of Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva Street and Avenida Ferrocarril in the Lo Espejo commune, south of Santiago. According to initial reports, the smaller vehicle crossed the median in a curve on the two-way road and collided head-on with the urban minibus.
The three deceased individuals were from the same family traveling in the private car. A fourth occupant of that vehicle is in critical condition and was taken to a medical center. The minibus was not carrying passengers at the time of the impact, and its driver will undergo a routine toxicology test, though preliminary authorities indicate no responsibility on his part.
The Metropolitana Sur Prosecutor's Office and the Traffic Accident Investigation Section (SIAT) of Carabineros have begun investigations to determine the exact causes. Lieutenant Cristián Cares from SIAT explained that they will conduct a planimetric survey of the road design and geometric configuration of the roadway. “Which has a right curve and a descending slope, factors that contribute to the trigger of the traffic accident we are investigating,” the officer stated.
This type of collision in urban areas with curves and slopes highlights the importance of caution while driving, especially on routes with mixed traffic like this one. Authorities have cordoned off the area to facilitate the expertise and restore normal traffic flow.
