Bridge explosion near Panama Canal kills one, injures two

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PANAMA CITY: A tragic fuel tanker explosion occurred on Monday, near the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, leaving one person dead and at least two others injured.

The blast took place in the La Boca area at a fuel supply complex situated directly beneath the Bridge of the Americas. Security footage captured a massive fireball and thick black smoke billowing from the site, which was triggered during a refueling operation at the Panama Oil Terminals facility.

While the Panama Canal Authority confirmed that maritime transit remained unaffected, the explosion forced the immediate closure of the Bridge of the Americas. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino warned of significant logistical disruptions as engineering teams began structural safety inspections on Tuesday.

Fire Chief Victor Alvarez confirmed the fatality was an employee at the complex. As investigations into the cause of the ignition begin, authorities urge commuters to use alternative routes until the bridge is declared safe.

Photo Credits: AFP