Kitchen explosion at Azuero hospital injures three; one airlifted to capital

An explosion in the construction zone of the Anita Moreno Regional Hospital's kitchen has left three workers with burns, prompting an emergency airlift for one of the injured. The incident occurred on Saturday, August 1, during technical tests conducted by construction personnel at the Azuero facility.

While the three affected individuals were initially admitted to the hospital's emergency department in stable condition, the severity of one worker's injuries necessitated immediate transfer. This patient was airlifted to Panama City for advanced medical care. The other two victims are currently receiving specialized treatment and ongoing monitoring from the surgery department.

Emergency services, including the local fire department, responded swiftly to the detonation. The building's sprinkler system immediately controlled the situation. Specialists from the National Directorate of Safety, Prevention, and Fire Investigation (Dinasepi) of the Fire Department in Los Santos are now investigating the precise causes of the explosion.

The Ministry of Health (Minsa) has assured the public that the incident was confined solely to the kitchen construction area and did not impact any other part of the hospital. Medical and emergency services for the Azuero region's population continue to operate normally. A statement from the Bomberos De Panamá (Firefighters of Panama) on Twitter confirmed the incident, noting the three injured workers and the ongoing Dinasepi investigation.

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The Station No. 1 La Villa responded to an explosion at the Anita Moreno Regional Hospital. Three workers were injured and DINASEPI is investigating the causes.