A deadly explosion occurred on a bustling shopping street in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on March 5, 2024, resulting in the death of one individual and injuries to two others. The governor of Guayas province, Humberto Plaza, described the blast as an intentional attack, raising concerns about escalating violence in the region.
According to Major Jorge Montanero of the Guayaquil fire department, the deceased was a taxi driver who was in proximity to the explosion when it occurred. In response to the incident, local police are conducting thorough inspections of vehicles in the vicinity. “We’re evacuating all of the buildings as a precaution,” Montanero stated. When questioned about the possibility of a car bomb, he noted that further investigation was necessary, emphasizing the unusual nature of the explosion. “We don’t know, but a normal car doesn’t blow up like that,” he added.
The police chief of Guayaquil, Francisco Zumárraga, confirmed that authorities had identified a “new threat” related to the incident and announced plans for a controlled detonation of a suspicious vehicle. He assured the public that law enforcement would work diligently to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
In a statement from the Attorney General’s Office, officials confirmed that an investigation had been initiated. They are currently interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage from the area to gather additional information regarding the incident.
This explosion marks a troubling trend, as Ecuador has experienced a series of car bombings in recent years, particularly following the assassination of a presidential candidate in 2023. Notably, in March 2023, a vehicle explosion occurred outside the largest prison in Guayaquil, resulting in the death of a prison guard, which was linked to a criminal network. While other vehicle explosions in Quito last year caused minimal damage, they did not result in fatalities.
Governor Plaza characterized the recent explosion as “terrorism plain and simple,” vowing that those responsible would be brought to justice. “We’re going to grab them and they’re going to pay, and these people are going to be prosecuted for terrorism,” he stated emphatically.
The explosion caused significant damage to nearby establishments, shattering windows of various restaurants and shops along the busy street. As authorities continue their investigation, the community remains on high alert, grappling with the impact of this violent act in a popular commercial area.
