Pastor Benjamin Lopez, His Wife and Two Daughters Die in Tragic Traffic Accident in Chame

Pastor Benjamin Lopez, his wife, and two of their daughters were among four people killed in a tragic traffic accident in Chame, Panama, on April 25. The collision occurred at the entrance to Coloncito on the Aguadulce–Panama route, where a bus reportedly veered into the opposite lane before striking a sedan. The National Police confirmed the incident, which left four fatalities and nine injured, with the victims traveling in the sedan.

The victims included Pastor Benjamin Lopez, approximately 40 years old, along with his wife and two daughters, one of whom was identified as Eimy. The accident has sparked deep sorrow within the religious community, where Lopez was known for his work in the Pentecostal Church of God in La Ermita de San Carlos, where he had attended for 12 years.

Witnesses noted that the bus driver made a sudden turn just before the impact, a detail that has drawn attention in the investigation. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has arrived at the scene to remove the bodies and begin an inquiry into the cause of the accident. The area experienced traffic congestion as rescue operations and body recovery efforts were carried out.

Social media and close friends have shared messages of faith and farewell, with expressions like “they went away with Christ” and “heaven is on holiday, Glory to God.” These statements reflect the spiritual beliefs of those who knew the victims, who view death as an encounter with God rather than an end.

The accident has caused disruption along the route, with only one lane open towards the interior of the country during the incident. Rescue teams worked to transport the injured to medical centers for treatment. The tragedy has left a profound impact on the community, underscoring the fragility of life and the shared grief of those who knew the victims.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)