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Panama Oeste Registers 2,149 Traffic Accidents So Far in 2026; 12 Fatalities in the Last Month
🇵🇦 Panama /Disasters & Emergencies

Panama Oeste Registers 2,149 Traffic Accidents So Far in 2026; 12 Fatalities in the Last Month

From TVN Panamá · (14m ago) Spanish Critical tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Panama Oeste has recorded 2,149 traffic accidents so far in 2026, resulting in 19 fatalities.
  • In the last month alone, 12 people have died in traffic accidents in the province.
  • Authorities cite speeding, drunk driving, and mobile phone use as primary causes and urge drivers to adhere to traffic laws.

The province of Panama Oeste is grappling with a disturbing surge in traffic accidents, with official figures revealing a grim reality on its roads. As of early May 2026, the Dirección de Operaciones de Tránsito de la Policía Nacional reports a staggering 2,149 accidents, claiming the lives of 19 individuals. The situation has escalated dramatically in recent weeks, with 12 fatalities recorded in just the past month.

The victims of traffic accidents in the province of Panama Oeste continue to increase.

— TVN PanamáReporting on the rising number of traffic accident victims.

These tragic statistics paint a stark picture of the dangers faced by residents. Among the recent incidents, a particularly heartbreaking event occurred in Coloncito, Chame, where a passenger bus veered into oncoming traffic, colliding with a private vehicle. This devastating crash resulted in the deaths of four members of the López Reina family, who were laid to rest on Friday, May 1st. The province's districts of Arraiján, La Chorrera, and Chame have each reported fatalities, with 3, 5, and 4 deaths respectively.

Authorities are pointing to a consistent pattern of dangerous driving behavior as the root cause. Excessive speed, driving under the influence of alcohol, and the pervasive use of mobile phones while operating a vehicle are identified as the main culprits behind these accidents. In response, the National Directorate of Traffic Operations has issued a strong appeal to drivers, imploring them to respect traffic regulations, adhere to speed limits, always use seatbelts, and eliminate distractions behind the wheel.

The main causes of accidents include speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and the use of the mobile phone while driving.

— Dirección Nacional de Operaciones de TránsitoIdentifying the primary causes of traffic accidents.

Recent days have seen further accidents, including a rollover in La Chorrera where a driver hit the curb, and another in Burunga where a driver reportedly fell asleep, causing their vehicle to overturn into a ditch. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported in these specific incidents. The ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and stricter enforcement of traffic laws in Panama Oeste.

Drivers are urged to respect traffic laws, comply with speed limits, use seatbelts, and avoid distractions while driving.

— Dirección Nacional de Operaciones de TránsitoA call to action for drivers to improve road safety.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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