Large blast strikes Panama’s Bridge of the Americas (VIDEOS)

(SeaPRwire) –   Online videos depict a massive fire nearly consuming vehicles traveling across the Bridge of the Americas.

A massive fireball and thick plumes of black smoke rose near Panama’s Bridge of the Americas, as viral social media footage captured flames ravaging a fuel terminal adjacent to the iconic bridge.

The explosion, which took place in La Boca, Balboa, necessitated the immediate closure of the bridge, a vital transportation artery for the nation. Although the blast did not happen on the bridge itself, the flames rising beneath the structure raised fears regarding its stability.

Panamanian fire officials stated that the incident was reported at approximately 4:12 p.m. local time. Upon arrival, crews discovered several trucks on fire and additional fuel tanks at risk. Backup units from various stations were dispatched to assist in containing the blaze.

Authorities reported that two individuals suffering from second-degree burns were rescued and treated by emergency responders. Firefighters conducted cooling operations while searching for a potentially trapped individual. Subsequent local reports confirmed one fatality and noted that two firefighters sustained injuries while battling the fire.

Transit across the Bridge of the Americas was halted as emergency teams operated at the site and inspectors evaluated whether the extreme heat compromised the bridge’s integrity. Officials have advised the public to steer clear of the Balboa area to ensure routes remain open for emergency personnel.