Four days after the explosion and fire that left one dead and two firefighters injured – with first and second degree burns – under the Bridge of the Americas, investigations point to a lethal combination between flammable gases and an ignition source, in the middle of a highly volatile environment due to the presence of multiple fuels.
The investigations into this incident, which occurred on April 6 at the old fuel tank yard in Balboa — concessioned to Panama Oil Terminals, SA (POTSA) — are advancing in their technical and testimonial phase by the specialized team of the Benemérito Panama Fire Department (BCBP).
The investigation is carried out by the National Directorate of Security, Prevention and Investigation of Fires (Dinasepi), instance that analyzes the origin of the fire that consumed three tanker trucks and forced the temporary closure of this key road, which generated concern about the safety of the handling of hydrocarbons in the area.
According to the director of Dinasepi, Cirilo Castillo, “Everything points to the combination of a spark with flammable material present in the environment, that is, gases derived from the transfer of fuel.” However, he clarified that investigations must continue until the origin of the incident is determined with certainty.
Due to the confidentiality of the process, the authorities have not advanced definitive conclusions.
Collection of evidence and testimonies
Castillo explained that the first phase consisted of collecting evidence at the site, once the emergency was controlled and the scene cooled down. These tasks were carried out by specialized units that formally began the expert process after the fire of the three tankers had been extinguished.
The official stated that the investigation team was present from the beginning of the incident, accompanying the operational tasks from the arrival of the firefighters at the site of the fire, on the grounds of POTSA.
During the investigation, specialists have collected key evidence to determine the origin of the incident, including possible ignition points and the conditions that led to the fire. The analysis covers both the terrain and the vehicles involved and their surroundings, under technical and scientific criteria.
Once the field phase is over, the process now focuses on collecting testimonies from people who were at the scene (drivers, company staff). According to Castillo, this stage will allow versions to be contrasted and hypotheses to be discarded until a clear conclusion is established about what happened.
The official confirmed that there was the presence of 91 and 95 octane gasoline, diesel and bunker at the site, which significantly increases the complexity of the analysis and the risk of fire spread.
Report will be completed in 30 days
The BCBP Research Directorate indicated that the final report on the origin and cause of the fire in the La Boca sector could be ready in a period of no more than 30 days.
Currently, the investigations are carried out by highly specialized personnel, including units of the investigation department and hydrocarbon experts.
The fire official also confirmed that the scene remains under the custody of the National Policewhile the investigations progress in coordination with the Public Ministry, because the incident left a fatal victim. “The scene is handed over to the Police and they guard it until the investigations are concluded,” he indicated.
As for the victim, he clarified that it was not the driver of the tanker truck, as initially thought, but rather an assistant. This and other details will be officially confirmed in the final report.
The fire investigation director reiterated the call for prevention, especially in areas where fuels are handled. “Where there are flammable gases, any source of spark must be avoided at all costs: cell phones, electronic lighters and any equipment that can generate ignition,” he warned.
“The investigative unit is very focused, doing everything necessary, in the most scientific way possible, to find the real causes of this explosion and fire,” he concluded.
Action of the Public Ministry
For his part, the Public Ministry This Wednesday, April 8, a visual inspection procedure was carried out at the facilities of the POTSA company. The action included the administrative offices, where information was sought about the company’s operations and the work history of the deceased person.
The Metropolitan Prosecutor’s Office for Homicide and Femicide, in charge of the investigations, also requested the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences (Imelcf) to carry out the corresponding analyzes to determine the possible causes of the explosion.
He M.P. It is awaiting the report from the Fire Department on the causes of the incident and its impact on the structure of the Bridge of the Americas.
President Mulino: tank area will be evaluated
For his part, the President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, indicated in his weekly Thursday conference that the investigations of the accident will be in the hands of the Attorney General’s Office, and that the administrative issues associated with the accident are being investigated by the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP).
The president also warned that the fire area is not a place for tours, since it is an area under criminal investigation. He recalled that the scene of the events must be preserved in accordance with the protocols, which is why he asked the National Police to restrict access to anyone not linked to the case. “From there we are not going to block anything,” he indicated.
He also noted that throughout the Panama Canal and in coastal areas, there are more than 100 hectares of former fuel storage facilities abandoned or in deplorable conditions. He announced that all of them will be evaluated by the AMP to put them to good use for the benefit of the country.
According to the administrator of the AMP, Luis Roquebert, They are evaluating the situation of the fuel tanks near the Bridge of the Americas, since they were built more than 50 years ago and do not meet current standards.
Currently, passage through the Bridge of the Americas is limited to motorcycles, private vehicles and small buses, while evaluations are carried out by technicians from the Ministry of Public Works (MOP)the Technological University of Panamathe Panama Canal Authority, the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc).
Edwin Lewis, director of Study and Design at the MOP, He delved into the additional evaluations being carried out on the Bridge of the Americas, highlighting that this Thursday four professionals from the United States Corps of Engineers were received, an organization that designed this bridge in the 1950s.
Cleaning work this Thursday with a drone that expels pressurized water against the structure of the Bridge of the Americas, the oldest over the Panama Canal and one of the main connection routes of the Panamanian capital, which last Monday was affected by a fire… pic.twitter.com/2JKjzyfePz
— La Prensa Panamá (@prensacom) April 9, 2026
The engineer explained that it is necessary to do laboratory tests and take samples of the metal exposed to heat to send them to laboratories in the United States. Likewise, they will place strain gauges in critical areas of the structure.
With information from Juan Manuel Díaz
