Explosion sets fuel trucks on fire near Panama canal bridge; 4 injured, 1 missing

An explosion set multiple fuel trucks on fire near a major bridge at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, injuring four people and leaving another person missing, according to fire officials. Video from the scene showed a large fireball rising near and above the bridge as vehicles passed nearby.

The fire was reported at about 4:12 p.m. local time on Monday in the La Boca area of Balboa, on the west side of Panama City. Firefighters said crews arrived to find three tanker trucks on fire and additional fuel tanks threatened.

Fire officials said two people with second-degree burns were rescued from the scene and were treated by firefighters and emergency responders. Two firefighters also suffered first- and second-degree burns and were taken to a hospital.

Authorities said crews were searching for a possible person who may have been trapped in the affected area. No further information about the individual was immediately available.

At least five emergency vehicles were working at the scene, carrying out firefighting and cooling operations. Officials later said the fire had been contained.

The blaze spread quickly after the initial detonation, sending a fireball up beside the bridge as vehicles were passing over it. The cause was not immediately known.