GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR — A deadly explosion outside Mall del Sol on Monday evening claimed the life of a taxi driver, leaving the community in shock and prompting a massive security response. The blast occurred around 6:30 p.m. near the Sheraton Hotel, where a parked vehicle suddenly caught fire and exploded within minutes. Authorities later confirmed that the incident was deliberate, involving high-powered explosives.
Investigators discovered that four explosive charges had been planted, one of which had already detonated. The remaining devices, including a second vehicle rigged with explosives, were safely neutralized by bomb disposal units. Officials stated that the explosives were professionally assembled, featuring safety fuses and electronic triggers, indicating a high level of technical expertise.
Surveillance footage captured the chaotic moments of the explosion. Flames erupted from the vehicle, sending debris flying across the street. Several nearby cars were engulfed in fire, and storefronts sustained significant damage. Witnesses described the scene as “apocalyptic,” with smoke and fire consuming the immediate area as panicked shoppers and hotel guests evacuated.
Emergency responders, including firefighters and paramedics, arrived on the scene within minutes. Despite their swift efforts, one individual, a taxi driver, succumbed to the blast. Several bystanders sustained minor injuries from shrapnel and flying debris, though hospital officials confirmed that no additional fatalities occurred.
Police and military teams quickly cordoned off the surrounding area to secure the scene and prevent further danger. Roads leading to Mall del Sol were closed for several hours, disrupting traffic in one of Guayaquil’s busiest commercial zones. Authorities urged residents to avoid the area and follow safety instructions while forensic teams conducted their investigation.
Forensic experts began meticulously examining the blast site, collecting evidence from the vehicle and surrounding debris. Investigators are focused on determining the origin of the explosives, the method of deployment, and any potential links to criminal or terrorist organizations. Officials have stressed that the sophistication of the devices points to professional assembly.
Authorities confirmed that the second vehicle, also rigged with explosives, was successfully neutralized before it could detonate. The operation involved coordination between police bomb squads, military experts, and emergency personnel, showcasing the city’s preparedness for high-risk incidents.
Local authorities launched a criminal investigation to identify those responsible for the attack. Witnesses who observed suspicious activity near the Sheraton Hotel and the mall are being urged to provide statements. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed to gather further leads on the perpetrators.
The deadly explosion has sent ripples through the community, particularly among residents and businesses near Mall del Sol. Storeowners are assessing the damage to their properties, while local citizens have expressed fear and outrage at the audacity of the attack in a public, densely populated area.
As Guayaquil mourns the loss of the taxi driver, officials continue their investigation into the deliberate attack. Police and military teams remain on high alert, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in preventing future incidents. The tragic event underscores the ongoing threat posed by professionally made explosive devices in urban centers and the critical need for coordinated emergency response.
