Six people were injured and 11 cars incinerated after an explosion on the La Linea highway Monday morning, reports Caracol Radio.
The La Linea roadway, which runs between Cajamarca and Ibague in the western department of Tolima, is closed due a chemical spill, according to the Director of Transit and Transport Rodolfo Palomino.
“There was a tank-type vehicle which carries carbonic gas, it suffered mechanical problems, rolled over, and dumped its product, which generated some explosions,” said Palomino.
The accident occurred at the seven kilometer marker, where three separate explosions were generated by the chemical spill. The injured were taken to hospitals in Cajamarc and Ibague, reported a member of the Relief Corps Carlos Torres.
Currently there is a traffic jam at least 2.5 miles long and the road is completely closed. Palomino warned that travelers will need to take detours to this route.
“The alternative route is one that runs from the Manizales coffee zone to Alto de Letras; it is necessary to take the central route because the Panamerica highway is affected by landslides,” said the director.