An investigation is underway following a deadly incident at a prison in southwest Ecuador that left at least 31 inmates dead, according to the country’s national prisons agency, SNAI.
The incident occurred at a detention facility in the coastal city of Machala during the early morning hours. In a statement released overnight, SNAI reported that many of the victims died from asphyxiation, while other cases remain under forensic review. Authorities emphasized that official conclusions will be made only after all investigative procedures are completed.
Residents living near the prison said they were awakened by loud noises and signs of unrest coming from the facility around 3:00 a.m. local time. Security forces, including elite police units, were quickly deployed to the area and later regained control of the prison.
As the situation developed, officials confirmed additional casualties and reported that dozens of inmates were injured, along with one police officer. While authorities have not confirmed the involvement of organized criminal groups, the prison had recently undergone internal restructuring — a process that has previously led to tensions within facilities.
Ecuador’s prison system has faced growing challenges in recent years, with facilities increasingly affected by internal power struggles and organized crime. Since 2021, more than 500 inmates have died in prison-related incidents nationwide, highlighting long-standing concerns over security and overcrowding.
The Machala prison has experienced multiple serious incidents in the past, reflecting broader instability within the country’s penitentiary system. Officials say efforts are ongoing to restore order and prevent further unrest as investigations continue.
The incident underscores Ecuador’s wider struggle with rising crime and institutional pressure, as authorities work to address violence that increasingly affects both prisons and surrounding communities.See More
