The Ministry of Education (Meduca) announced flexible school and administrative schedules for Tuesday, April 7, as a preventive measure against mobility disruptions caused by the closure of the Bridge of the Americas, which will undergo a structural inspection. The ministry also urged flexibility in work start times, especially for employees who live in West Panama and work in the capital, and vice versa. This decision follows a major fire that occurred on Monday, April 6, under the Bridge of the Americas. The fire broke out in the La Boca area near Ancon, affecting three tanker trucks. One person, an employee of Panama Oil Terminals, SA, died, and two firefighters were injured. After the fire was brought under control, the bridge was temporarily reopened before being closed again for a thorough inspection. The Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (Mitradel) urged companies to implement teleworking due to transportation difficulties. Authorities have activated a contingency plan, including lane reversal on the Centenario highway, to maintain mobility between Panama City and West Panama.
