Global Bank Building Evacuated Due To Toxic Funes

An emergency evacuation occurred today, Thursday May 31 in the PH Torre Global Bank on Calle 50, due to toxic fumes, believed to be paint thinner. The incident happened after maintenance work was being done using chemicals on the 23rd floor of the building, and these were cast into the air conditioning ducts of the tower, causing a strong odor, said Capt. Juan de Arco, of the Safety Office of the Fire Department of Panama. At least 19 people were affected by the inhalation of these substances, ankle sprains and falls. Four ambulances arrived on the scene to assist those affected, and the fire department initiated an investigation to determine what had happened. The entire building was evacuated, said De Arco. Meanwhile, the Chief of Traffic Operations of the National Police Jorge Miranda, said they enabled a dedicated lane for the passage of ambulances and fire trucks. On April 24, 2012, staff from PH Global Bank Tower were evacuated due to fire caused by an explosion in one of its electrical rooms. (Panama America)