Authorities stated that such incidents must be handled progressively to 'bring down the heat.' Delgado explained that the fire is practically extinguished, and thermal cameras are expected to confirm total control in the coming hours. Over 50 units from the Fire Department participated in extinguishing the flames and securing the area. Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Panama assessed the possibility of suspending operations at Marcos A. Gelabert Airport due to the visibility risk posed by the smoke. A fire broke out in the La Boca area, under the Bridge of the Americas, near a zone where fuel treatment facilities and storage tanks operate. The incident forced the closure of the bridge for approximately one hour. However, this measure was ultimately unnecessary. The final results will be announced this Tuesday, April 7th. According to official information, the death of a person, presumably a collaborator of the company Panamá Oil Terminals, S.A., was confirmed. He is said to have been trapped in the flames while performing fuel supply duties. Additionally, two firefighters suffered second-degree burns and were transferred to a hospital, while two tankers were damaged during the emergency. The involved units correspond to fuel tankers with an estimated capacity of between 5,000 and 10,000 gallons. According to Colonel Ángel Delgado, the fire started in one tanker and quickly spread to another, while a third truck was in the process of being fueled. 'We have managed to contain the fire, advance in its extinction, and reduce the temperature,' he said. Subsequently, the road was reopened for about 40 minutes, but it had to be closed again. According to a statement from the Ministry of Public Works, passage through the area will be prohibited until technical results confirm that circulation is safe.
