A small aircraft crash disrupted a busy street in Guayaquil, a major port city in southwestern Ecuador, this Tuesday, resulting in two fatalities and several serious injuries. The incident was confirmed by the Integrated Security Service ECU-911, which began coordinating a wide-ranging emergency response as soon as the crash was reported. The event has prompted swift action from local authorities and rescue services to secure the area and provide medical care to those affected.
ECU-911 described the crash as occurring between José María Robles and Isidro Ayora streets during the afternoon hours. In its reply, the agency outlined a coordinated effort involving the Municipality staff, the National Police, the Fire Brigade, the Risks Secretariat, and the police department. Information shared by ECU-911 indicates that the white aircraft appeared to follow a roughly 200-kilometer flight path from Manta to Guayaquil before the mishap. In the wake of the crash, ECU-911 announced on its social media channels that several nearby streets were temporarily closed to traffic to accommodate emergency responders and to ensure public safety around the crash site.
Witnesses on the ground reported thick smoke and flames, with images circulating on social media showing responders working around the site. A video captured from above appeared to show the plane gliding over a cluster of buildings while descending rapidly, followed by a noticeable cloud of smoke and debris. As the scene developed, bystanders gathered nearby to observe, while authorities urged residents to stay clear of the area and to follow official directions. The combination of the aircraft, the urban setting, and the ongoing rescue operations underscored the urgency of the response and the challenges faced by first responders in coordinating efforts amid traffic disruptions and crowded streets.
In the hours after the crash, investigators from ECU-911 and local emergency agencies conducted preliminary assessments to determine the crash dynamics, the aircraft’s flight plan, and potential causes. The incident prompted a review of air traffic control records and flight tracking data in order to reconstruct the final moments of the aircraft’s journey from Manta toward Guayaquil. While the immediate focus remained on saving lives and delivering medical care, officials also emphasized the importance of coordinating with municipal services to manage road closures, control crowds, and maintain public safety around the affected area. Community members were reminded to avoid the vicinity of the crash site and to rely on official updates as the situation evolved and information became clearer. The overall response demonstrated a concerted effort among multiple agencies to stabilize the scene, assist the injured, and support ongoing investigations into what happened that afternoon in Guayaquil.