A large trailer truck hauling electronic goods burst into flames on Panama’s busy Centenario Highway Monday night. The dramatic fire caused major traffic delays for hours, though the two people on board escaped without injury.
The incident occurred around 11:00 p.m. on December 15, 2025, on the highway section leading toward the district of Arraiján. Preliminary reports from authorities indicate mechanical failures likely sparked the blaze. Firefighters from multiple stations responded quickly to prevent the fire from spreading to other vehicles.
The Panama Fire Department confirmed its crews managed to control the intense fire. Units from the Arraiján and La Chorrera stations led the response, with additional support from the Pedro Miguel station. Their rapid intervention was credited with containing the damage to the single vehicle.
“The emergency was attended by units from the Arraiján and La Chorrera stations, with support from the Pedro Miguel station, managing to control the fire in a timely manner and prevent its spread to other vehicles,” stated a report from the Panama Fire Department. [Translated from Spanish]
The driver and a security guard traveling in the truck’s cabin evacuated safely before the fire engulfed the trailer. No injuries were reported despite the severity of the incident. The truck’s cargo, described as various electronic appliances, was considered a total loss.
Major Traffic Disruption Follows Highway Fire
The emergency response shut down multiple lanes on the critical Centenario Highway, a key artery for traffic moving from Panama City toward the country’s interior. A significant traffic backlog built up through the night and into the early morning hours.
Cleanup and investigation crews worked through the night to clear the scene. National Police traffic units finally managed to reopen all lanes to traffic just after 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16. Authorities urged drivers to cooperate with officers as they worked to normalize the flow of vehicles.
In a social media post, the National Police announced the highway’s reopening. They thanked drivers for their patience during the lengthy disruption which began este lunes night. The cause of the mechanical failure remains under official investigation by relevant authorities.
Officials have not released the name of the trucking company involved. They also did not specify the exact type or value of the electronic goods destroyed in the fire. The investigation will determine the precise origin of the mechanical fault and whether any safety violations contributed to the incident.