Traffic on the Two Americas Bridge has been blocked due to a major fire
On Monday evening, a powerful explosion occurred at the foot of the strategic "Bridge of the Americas" in Panama, resulting in casualties and the suspension of traffic.
The tragedy unfolded at a fuel terminal in the La Boca area, located directly beneath the structures of one of the oldest bridges connecting the two continents via the Panama Canal.
According to official data from the local fire department, one person died as a result of the incident—presumably a truck driver or an oil company employee.
Several others were injured, including two victims with second-degree burns who were rushed to the hospital.
“Three fuel tankers caught fire on the ship; the probable cause is a fire triggered by fuel detonation,” eyewitnesses report, describing the moment of the explosion as a fireball that reached the height of the road surface.
The fire started while one of the fuel tankers was being refueled, after which the flames instantly spread to neighboring vehicles, triggering a domino effect.
A massive column of fire and thick black smoke engulfed the bridge structure, forcing authorities to immediately close traffic in both directions.
The bridge is currently under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Works, which has scheduled a detailed technical inspection for today, April 7, to check the integrity of the supports and steel trusses.
The Panama Canal Authority promptly issued a statement reassuring the global community: “The explosion did not affect the transit of ships through the canal.”
Although the incident occurred in close proximity to the waterway, navigation continues as usual. However, land logistics have been significantly disrupted, as the bridge is a key artery for freight transport.
In China, eight people were killed in an explosion at a fireworks store.
Norwegian police are investigating an explosion near the U.S. Embassy in Oslo.
