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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a> crews arrived to find three tanker trucks on fire and additional fuel tanks threatened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At least five emergency vehicles were working at the scene, carrying out firefighting and cooling operations. Officials later said the fire had been contained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n