Daijiworld Media Network – Panama City

Panama City, Apr 7: Multiple people were injured and one person remains missing after fuel tankers exploded near the Bridge of the Americas in Panama City, triggering a massive blaze, officials said.

The explosion occurred on Monday (local time) after a fire broke out at the Balboa oil tank facility, with flames rapidly spreading and engulfing parts of the bridge. Dramatic visuals showed a huge fireball erupting near the roadway as motorists scrambled to flee the scene.

The Bridge of the Americas, a crucial 1,654-metre-long roadway spanning the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, was temporarily shut down following the incident. Authorities said the closure was necessary to assess potential structural damage and ensure commuter safety.

In a statement, the Ministry of Public Works said the shutdown was a precautionary measure while specialised teams carry out technical inspections. “The crossing will remain closed until it is confirmed that traffic is completely safe,” officials said.

The incident has drawn attention due to the bridge’s proximity to one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime chokepoints. The Panama Canal has seen increased tanker traffic in recent weeks, amid shifting global energy routes linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier reports had indicated that some US crude shipments were being rerouted to Asia via the canal, highlighting its growing importance in global trade flows.

Authorities are continuing rescue and assessment operations, while investigations are underway to determine the cause of the explosion.