A 25-year-old construction worker died Monday night while working inside the tunnel of the Panama Metro Line 3 project in the Farfán area. The Panama metro accident was preliminarily linked to a suspected electrical discharge, according to a statement released Tuesday by the HPH Joint Venture consortium.
The victim was employed by a subcontractor participating in the massive infrastructure project. Authorities have opened an investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurred on September 21.
Second Fatal Panama Metro Accident in Five Weeks
This marks the second reported death on the Line 3 construction site in just over a month. On August 20, a 48-year-old qualified electrician died at the sludge separation plant within the Farfán Industrial Complex. That worker was also part of the broader project workforce overseen by HPH Joint Venture.
The consortium said it has provided support and accompaniment to the affected parties since learning of the latest incident. Company officials also expressed willingness to cooperate with authorities and supply any information required during the investigative process.
Project Background and Safety Concerns
Line 3 of the Panama Metro is one of the country’s most significant public transportation expansions, designed to connect Panama City with the western province of Panama Oeste. The project includes extensive tunneling work, elevated sections, and multiple stations across a corridor that serves hundreds of thousands of daily commuters.
The repeated fatalities raise questions about safety protocols on a project that has employed thousands of workers since construction began. HPH Joint Venture reiterated its commitment to following applicable procedures and maintaining coordination with competent entities and participating companies.
Investigation and Next Steps
Competent authorities are now examining the site where the Panama metro accident occurred to establish whether proper electrical safety measures were in place. The preliminary classification as a suspected electrical discharge suggests investigators will focus on equipment integrity, grounding systems, and worker protective protocols.
The consortium stated it remains focused on project development while complying with operational regulations. No timeline has been announced for the investigation’s completion, and the subcontractor involved has not been publicly identified.
Labor safety advocates have previously called for stricter oversight on major infrastructure projects in Panama, particularly those involving underground work where electrical hazards and confined space risks are elevated. The Ministry of Labor typically conducts parallel reviews following workplace fatalities to assess compliance with occupational safety standards.
Un trabajador de la Línea 3 del Metro falleció tras recibir una descarga eléctrica durante la jornada laboral la noche de ayer.
— Radio Panamá (@radiopanama) September 22, 2026
Según Ronald Adamson, directivo encargado de la Línea 3, la máquina involucrada había sido reportada por desperfectos desde el 12 de septiembre y… pic.twitter.com/pAmsEA9Sgc