Panama City: Bridge of the Americas closed after massive explosion at fuel tanker centre, one missing

Multiple people are injured and one person is missing after fuel tankers near a bridge in Panama exploded, sparking an enormous blast.

The explosion engulfed the Bridge of the Americas in Panama City on Monday, local time, after a fire broke out at the Balboa oil tank facility.

Shocking CCTV footage captured the moment the blast exploded around the bridge, showing the flames wrapping above and over the road, with drivers attempting to flee the flames.

The Bridge of the Americas is a vital roadway, spanning 1654m, spanning the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal.

A translated update from firefighters on the scene said: “At approximately 4.12pm, a tanker truck fire was reported at the fuel depot in the La Boca area of Balboa.”

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“Upon arrival, units confirmed the presence of three burning trucks and additional tanks involved, immediately activating reinforcements from several stations.”

The update confirmed two people had second degree burns and were receiving medical attention.

“The search continues for a possible person trapped,” Bomberos Panama posted.

The Ministry of Public Works has now confirmed the temporary closure of the bridge.

“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 translates statement said.

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