In a rare and tragic incident, a freight train collision outside the capital city of Santiago, Chile, has resulted in the death of two rail workers and left nine others injured. The cause of the collision is currently under investigation by the authorities.

The collision, which occurred during a test run, involved a freight train and a test train. Shockingly, the test car of the train ended up fully on top of the freight train, causing extensive damage. Images and videos from the scene depicted a jackknifed carriage hovering several meters in the air above the mangled cargo train.

As emergency services rushed to the site, helicopters hovered overhead while a multitude of emergency vehicles converged on the area. Trains servicing in Santiago were suspended following the crash.

The eight-car freight train was carrying a substantial load of 1,346 tons of copper, which is Chile's main export. There were individuals on board the freight train at the time of the incident. The test train, on the other hand, had 10 workers operating a speed test.

Surveillance footage revealed that both trains were traveling at high speeds when they collided. The reason why the test train was not warned of the approaching freight train remains unclear at this time.

Among the casualties, four Chinese nationals operating the test train were injured along with five others. Currently, six individuals remain hospitalized, with one person in intensive care.

Despite heavy rains that have caused widespread flooding and displacement in recent days across Chile, it is believed that the weather did not play a significant role in the collision. The government had previously implemented increased safety measures following a fatal crash in 2001 involving a passenger train and a bus, which claimed the lives of 20 people. Since then, there have been no fatal crashes in the country, although several derailments and other accidents have caused injuries in the past two decades.

Authorities have detained the driver of the test train and a railway operator for questioning on charges of reckless manslaughter as the investigation into the cause of the collision continues.