Feb 12 • 12:49 UTC 🇪🇨 Ecuador El Universo (ES)

24 hours after the giant fire in Multicomercio: this is how the emergency is advancing in Guayaquil

Guayaquil is facing significant challenges as it deals with a major fire incident in the Multicomercio complex, requiring extensive firefighting support from surrounding areas.

In the wake of a severe fire at the Multicomercio complex in Guayaquil, the city's firefighters are stretched thin, responding to two major blazes this week, including one at a motorcycle assembly facility. The fire at Multicomercio has drawn firefighting teams from various nearby provinces, highlighting the scale of the emergency, which is unprecedented in recent years for the city. As of this morning, firefighters continue to combat remaining hotspots in the complex.

The Multicomercio site, consisting of five towers, experienced a catastrophic event, leading to the collapse of two towers and leaving the others in a weakened state. These structures housed a mix of apartments, offices, and warehouses filled with various goods, impacting local businesses and residents alike. Evacuations were conducted prior to the collapse, which likely saved lives, but the full extent of the damages and the economic repercussions on the area remain to be assessed.

This incident not only marks a significant firefighting challenge for Guayaquil but also raises questions about safety regulations and emergency preparedness in urban areas prone to such disasters. As the situation develops, local authorities will need to investigate the causes of the fire and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring better protection for both people and properties in the region.

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