Faithful Community Mourns Pastor Benjamin and Family After Tragic Accident in Chame

The accident in Chame has left a deep mark on the local religious community, particularly the Church of God Pentecostal International Movement of La Loma. Pastor Benjamin, along with his wife and two daughters, were among the four individuals who lost their lives in the collision. The incident occurred on April 25 at the entrance to Coloncito, where the community has long found solace in faith and simplicity.

In the days following the tragedy, members of the congregation gathered to support one another, embodying the teachings they have embraced for years. One member described Pastor Benjamin as “an exceptional person, a born leader, formed by God,” while another called him “more than my shepherd, he was my brother, my friend.” His family’s loss has deeply affected the community, which has responded with unity and resilience.

The community of Chame is a remote area characterized by quiet homes, narrow streets, and open courtyards. For over a decade, Pastor Benjamin has served there, beginning his ministry in a makeshift space with no roof. “We started in a corner of my house that had no roof, we got wet,” one member recalled, highlighting the humble beginnings of the congregation.

At the scene of the accident, the remnants of the impact remain visible. A structure that once served as a bus stop absorbed part of the collision, protecting a nearby house. Mrs. Chela, who survived with minor injuries, described the chaos of the moment. “I saw the bus go off. I told my cousin, ‘Let Carmen run away, the bus is coming to us.’ We held our hands and ran out. I looked back and the car was spinning,” she said, reflecting on the suddenness of the tragedy.

The collision involved a bus from the Aguadulce–Panama route and a sedan vehicle. According to preliminary reports, the bus veered into the opposite lane, leading to the crash. Nine people on the bus were injured, and the four deceased were traveling in the sedan. The bus driver remains in detention, awaiting a judicial hearing to determine his fate.

The incident has underscored the fragility of life and the unpredictability of circumstances. As the community mourns, they also reflect on the importance of faith and community support in times of sorrow.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)