A massive explosion under the Bridge of the Americas in Panama has left one person dead and two injured, temporarily closing the vital crossing over the Panama Canal. Smoke and flames engulfed part of the bridge after a fuel tanker truck exploded in the area of La Boca.
More than 75 firefighting units and 45 vehicles were deployed to fight the blaze, according to Panama's fire brigade service. One worker, presumed to be operating near the truck, died in the fire, while two firefighters suffered minor injuries.
Firefighter chief Victor Alvarez said in a press conference that investigations were just beginning and it would be premature to speculate about the causes. The Panama Canal Authority temporarily closed the bridge in coordination with transit authorities.
A logistics corridor was reopened at 4:00 a.m. local time on April 7 to facilitate mobility for residents. The Panama Canal Authority confirmed that canal operations continued as normal and expressed solidarity with those affected.
The Bridge of the Americas spans the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, a vital waterway for commodities. The canal recently saw a slight increase in vessel transits amid higher fuel prices, according to its deputy administrator.
