Ave Balboa high rise evacuated after second gas explosion
A second gas explosion in a new high rise building on Avenida Balboa has injured four people.
The early morning explosion was on the 27th floor of PH White opposite the Fishing and Yacht Club.
Iran Ponce, of Panama’s Fire Department said those affected received primary medical attention as ambulances rushed to the building.
The building was evacuated for the second time this year according to police sources.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Soto a resident of apartment 27-A, told local media that that for three days he had reported a gas leak but had received no response.
A previous gas explosion after the installation of a water heater in January killed one of two technicians and severely injured the other.
The resident of the apartment was also injured, and the building was evacuated for over two weeks.
The explosian led to the closing of the westbound three lanes on Avenida Balboa leading to a build up of traffic as Calle 42 was closed and vehicles were directed around Parque Uracca to Ave Federico Boyd and back on to Balboa near the Intercontinental Mirimar Hotel.
The other three lanes were later closed as firemen hosed down the road, extending the traffic snarl back to Paitilla and beyond.
