A massive explosion at a fuel depot near the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal ignited a large fire Monday afternoon, leading authorities to close the nearby Bridge of the Americas.

The incident unfolded around 4:12 p.m. local time at the Balboa tank park in Panama City's La Boca neighborhood. A fuel tanker truck caught fire at the facility, exploded, and spread flames to two other trucks and nearby storage units. Shocking CCTV footage captured the blast sending flames high above the adjacent bridge, wrapping over the roadway as vehicles sped away.

At least two firefighters suffered second-degree burns while responding to the scene, and one person remains missing, possibly trapped in the wreckage. More than 50 firefighters were deployed to battle the blaze involving the three trucks and additional tanks.

Panama's Ministry of Public Works ordered the immediate closure of the 1,654-meter Bridge of the Americas as a precaution. Officials plan technical inspections to assess any structural damage before reopening. The bridge, which connects Panama City to the rest of Central America, spans the canal's entrance and handles heavy vehicular traffic daily.

No injuries among motorists were reported, and there has been no confirmed disruption to Panama Canal shipping operations. The canal authority has not stated the incident.

Preliminary reports point to an accidental fire in the initial tanker truck, with no evidence of sabotage despite heightened global scrutiny on shipping routes amid Middle East tensions. Fire officials continue efforts to fully contain the blaze and locate the missing individual.

The event drew immediate attention due to the site's proximity to one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints. The Bridge of the Americas remains a critical link for regional commerce, underscoring the potential ripple effects of such industrial accidents.