Massive blast near Panama Canal bridge caught on camera; cars seen fleeing flames

Panama City: A powerful explosion involving fuel tankers near the iconic Bridge of the Americas left multiple people injured and one person missing on Monday, triggering panic in one of the world’s most strategically sensitive maritime corridors.

The blast erupted after a fire broke out at the Balboa oil tank facility, quickly escalating into a massive explosion that sent flames soaring across the bridge, which spans the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal.

Dramatic CCTV footage captured the moment of impact, showing a fireball engulfing the roadway as drivers scrambled to escape, with flames arching over vehicles and cutting off visibility in seconds.

Meanwhile, it remains unclear whether the explosion caused any major structural damages to the bridge. The Ministry of Public Works has confirmed the temporary closure of the bridge following the explosion, citing safety concerns as authorities begin a detailed structural assessment.

“This preventive measure is taken with the aim of ensuring the safety of the drivers, while the specialised technical teams carry out the relevant pathological technical inspection to verify the structural conditions of the bridge," a translated statement said.

Officials added that the restriction will remain in place until the bridge is deemed safe for public use.

“The crossing will remain closed until it is confirmed that traffic is completely safe and technical results are provided to support it."

The Bridge of the Americas, stretching over 1.6 km, is a critical transport link connecting Panama City with key trade routes and canal operations. Its proximity to the canal amplifies concerns about potential disruptions.

Beyond the immediate human toll, the incident carries broader global implications. The Panama Canal remains one of the world’s most vital shipping chokepoints, and its strategic importance has intensified in recent weeks amid shifting global energy flows.

With tensions around the Strait of Hormuz affecting traditional tanker routes, the canal has seen increased traffic, including U.S. crude shipments being redirected toward Asia.