1 killed, several injured in fire near Panama Canal

PANAMA CITY - A tanker truck explosion in Panama City on Monday left one person dead and several others injured, authorities said.

The incident occurred in the La Boca area, near the Panama Oil Terminals S.A. facility and beneath the Bridge of the Americas, where a tanker truck exploded while refueling, triggering a fire that spread to two other tanker trucks and caused thick smoke and multiple secondary explosions, reports said.

Fire department chief Victor Raul Alvarez Villalobos said one person was killed, two others suffered second-degree burns and two firefighters were injured from smoke inhalation. The fire has been brought under control, and the injured are in stable condition. An investigation into the cause of the accident is expected to begin on Tuesday.

Authorities closed the bridge following the incident and plan to conduct structural safety inspections. The bridge will remain closed until the results are released later.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino said on the social media platform X that commuters may face disruptions on Tuesday, and urged public and private institutions to take necessary measures.

The Bridge of the Americas, located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, is a key transport link for traffic and logistics across the waterway.