Carnival ends with at least 35 deaths in traffic accidents in Ecuador

Interior Minister Juan Zapata, at a joint press conference with other law enforcement officers, said that approximately 2.5 million people were mobilized this holiday and that this holiday was “the busiest holiday we have experienced even before the pandemic”. “This makes us very happy because it means economic recovery for Ecuador.”

Regarding security, he stated that more than 9,500 operations were carried out, 625 people were detained, 1.6 tons of drugs, 59 firearms, 84 cutting weapons and 717 ammunition were seized. In addition, 31 vehicles and 56 motorcycles were seized and nine organized crime groups were liquidated.

Zapata said that there were no major problems in touristic destinations, especially in the provinces of Tungurahua, Bolivar and Azuay. Again, videos of extremism circulated on social networks In the resort town of Salinas, in the state of Santa Elena, large numbers of people can be seen dancing in the streets, in carnivals and opening carts circling the road to throw carnival foam and other goods.

Zapata complained of “incidents or incivility that can be seen on some beaches of Ecuador, particularly in Salinas”. I think that these abuses cannot be repeated again, it is not right to attack people passing through certain places.”

In one of the videos that caused the most rejection and controversy, a couple is seen dancing on public roads. In the middle of the dance, they put the woman on the hood of a car and take off her underwear, some people applaud, cheer the moment, some throw carnival foam at them. Authorities said they were investigating whether the videos were up to date.

According to Bolívar Tello, director of ECU 911, the agency coordinated the care of 48,480 emergencies nationwide, down 6% compared to 2022. dead and two injured.