7.8 Quake Hits Chile; 3 Killed, 18 Hurt
Thousands of residents poured into the streets in panic after a powerful earthquake rocked a 1,000-mile stretch of northern Chile early Sunday. At least three people were killed, and 18 were injured.
But considering the strength of the 7.8-magnitude quake--centered in the Pacific Ocean 12 miles west of Antofagasta--the casualties were few and damage was minor, police said.
A 32-year-old man was killed when a wall collapsed on him in Antofagasta, a port city about 660 miles north of Santiago, a police commander said. A 19-year-old Boy Scout leader also died when he fell into a ravine, police said. The third person was killed in his bed when a nearby home collapsed and rolled down a hillside onto his, police said.
The heart attack death of a 75-year-old man may also have been related to the 1:11 a.m. earthquake, the commander said.
The National Emergency Office said 18 people were hurt.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
