In the early morning of February 9, a fire erupted at a motorcycle assembly plant in the northern Guasmo neighborhood of Guayaquil, catching many workers off guard as they were en route to work. The news of the fire spread quickly, with some workers receiving notifications while commuting and others discovering the devastating scene upon arrival. Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, highlighting the seriousness of the incident.

The initial reactions from workers have been filled with anxiety and fear over potential job losses. Marcelo Manosalva, who has been employed at the factory for nine months, voiced the hard reality faced by his colleagues, stating, "This is the sweat of us; the sustenance of our home." This sentiment resonates deeply among the workforce, as many depend on their jobs at the plant to support their families, raising concerns over their economic stability in the aftermath of the disaster.

Ángel Lindao, a seven-year veteran of the factory, shared his experience of learning about the fire while on public transport. He conveyed the collective worry among workers, emphasizing the uncertainty they face regarding their employment moving forward. The owners of the plant are yet to communicate with the employees, leaving many anxious about the future of their livelihoods and the overall impact of the incident on the local economy.