In a tragic incident at the Machala prison in El Oro province, Ecuador, authorities reported that at least 27 inmates died from asphyxiation following a violent riot that occurred on Sunday morning. The riot resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left dozens more injured, including 33 inmates and one police officer.
The Ecuadoran prison authorities released a statement indicating that the morgue confirmed the deaths were due to asphyxiation, which was described as “immediate death by suspension.” Forensic medical personnel have been deployed to the scene to assist in clarifying the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The violent outbreak began around 3 AM local time, with local residents reporting sounds of gunfire, explosions, and cries for assistance from within the prison walls. Elite police teams quickly intervened to restore order, though the exact nature of the violence remains unclear, particularly regarding any potential inter-gang conflicts that may have played a role.
This recent unrest at Machala prison highlights a troubling trend in Ecuador’s corrections system, which has increasingly become a battleground for rival drug-trafficking gangs. To date, over 500 inmates have lost their lives in violent confrontations between these groups, who vie for control over the lucrative drug trade.
Officials believe that the violence may be linked to plans for relocating inmates to a new maximum-security facility set to open soon, which has heightened tensions within the prison system. Last September, a similar clash at the same facility resulted in the deaths of 13 inmates and one prison official.
As the government grapples with the growing crisis, it underscores the urgent need for reform and improved safety measures within Ecuador’s prison infrastructure to protect inmates and staff alike moving forward.