SANTIAGO, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from a truck explosion on a highway in Chile's capital, Santiago, has risen to 12, the Chilean Ministry of Health said Wednesday.

Health authorities confirmed the toll, adding that nine people remain hospitalized, five of whom are in critical condition.

The explosion occurred on Feb. 19 when the truck exploded on the highway, likely due to a gas leak. The blast unleashed a large fireball and sent a dense column of smoke visible from many parts of the capital. ■