The violence broke out during a clash between inmates from two criminal groups, Los Lobos and Sao Box, according to police. During the riot, prisoners killed a prison guard and abducted police officers, while some managed to escape the facility. Authorities have since recaptured thirteen of the escaped inmates.
According to a Reuters report, Prisoners in port town Machala, south of Guayaquil, faced off with authorities, killing a guard and kidnapping officers, police chief William Calle told TV network Ecuavisa.
Gunfire and Explosions
According to Ecuadorian National Police, the riot began early in the morning while inmates were asleep. Gunfire erupted, accompanied by explosions, waking the prison guards. The loud explosions caused widespread panic within the prison.
The riot left 14 people injured, who have been admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Several inmates managed to escape during the chaos, and local police have launched a search to recapture them. An investigation into the incident has begun, and most of the deceased inmates were members of Los Choneros, one of Ecuador’s most violent gangs.
