One dead 120 evacuated in high rise fire

A 90-year-old woman who lived alone, died trapped in a fire on the 12th floor of the Torre El Cangrejo, a building on Via Argentina in Panama City on Tuesday, August 30.

Major Ángel Delgado, National Director of Related Calamities of the Meritorious Fire Department, confirmed the death and said that at approximately 6:00 am there was a strong explosion, and later fire on the 11th floor that later spread up to the 13th floor.

Personnel from the Carrasquilla, Calidonia, Clayton, and Balboa fire stations attended the scene and evacuated more than 120 people from the affected apartments.

The fire affected three floors and several apartments. The cause of the explosion is under investigation.