Chile’s La Moneda presidential palace and several nearby buildings in Santiago were evacuated after reports of a strong gas smell.
Witnesses and social media posts described the incident, prompting health authorities and firefighters to investigate without immediately identifying the cause.
Authorities received multiple reports of the gas smell across the city center and urged residents to avoid the area while tests were conducted, especially near hospitals and schools.
Measurements taken by firefighters have shown no dangerous or abnormal levels of gas.
Piero Tardito, a commander for Santiago’s firefighters, stated the gas cloud is expected to clear within hours as investigations continue.
The situation remains under close observation to ensure public safety.