A shocking blast ripped through the northern racks of Guayaquil on Tuesday evening—just outside Mall del Sol—leaving one person dead, several wounded, and many more shaken. The authorities now believe this was no accident, but a calculated act of terror linked to Ecuador’s deepening cycle of organized crime.
It was around 6:30 p.m. local time (18:30) when witnesses say a vehicle parked near the Sheraton Hotel, facing Mall del Sol on Avenida Joaquín José Orrantia, suddenly burst into flames. About five minutes later, as panic rippled through the area, the flames triggered a violent explosion.
The Toll
One fatality: a taxi driver working around the zone, who authorities say didn’t survive the explosion.
Injuries: at least two persons with serious wounds and several others with lighter injuries.
Damage: Broken windows, damaged vehicle parts, structural damage to nearby buildings, and chaos felt blocks away.
What Authorities Have Found So Far
Investigators confirm that two vehicles loaded with explosives were discovered near the site, although only one of them detonated.
They also discovered multiple explosive charges—four high-powered, with safety fuses and an electronic activation device.
One of the unexploded devices was neutralized via controlled detonation.
Official Reactions
Guayas Governor Humberto Plaza described the explosion as “terrorism pure and simple,” and promised the perpetrators will be hunted “even beneath the stones.” Interior Minister John Reimberg added that the explosives were professionally made, intended to sow terror rather than just random destruction.
Scene and Aftermath
Emergency services—firefighters, police, medical teams—were on site almost immediately. Evacuations of the mall and nearby structures took place. Some residents say the blast sounded like thunder; windows rattled, glass shattered, and traffic was rerouted as roads around Joaquín Orrantia and Juan Tanca Marengo were blocked.
What This Means in the Bigger Picture
This is not the first time Guayaquil has seen vehicle bomb attacks. In recent weeks there have been reports of abandoned cars with explosives, threats against penitentiaries, and worries of coordination between criminal gangs. The scale, the professional nature of the devices, and the location all suggest an escalation—an attack not just on individuals but on public confidence.
What People Need to Know Now
Authorities are urging citizens to stay clear of the Mall del Sol area while investigations and inspections continue. They’re gathering video footage, inspecting surrounding vehicles, and analyzing explosive residue. Local transit is disrupted; business owners are counting losses. For many in Guayaquil, this blast is another painful reminder of how vulnerable public spaces have become.
Stories like this move beyond headlines—they’re lived experiences. Fear in the streets, broken glass, unanswered questions. And in the center of it all, lives changed in an instant. Guayaquil now waits—waiting for justice, for safety, and for vindication.