Authorities in Guayaquil have confirmed that the Multicomercio building will be demolished due to significant structural damage and the risk of collapse following a lengthy fire incident. The emergency began at 07:00 last Wednesday and was brought under control after 36 hours of firefighting efforts, although fire crews continue to address specific hotspots throughout the site. The incident also saw the collapse of two towers and left three others at risk of similar fates, necessitating precautionary measures.

Alex Anchundia, the manager of Segura EP, indicated that the decision to demolish the building comes after thorough evaluations and entails a legal process that requires the owners to bear the costs of the demolition. This situation mirrors that of the Fantasía building, which was also demolished for similar safety concerns. The demolition of the Multicomercio structure will occur once emergency operations are fully completed and safety assessments are concluded.

This demolition underscores the importance of building safety regulations and rapid response from local authorities in the face of such emergencies. The ongoing concerns about structural integrity in the wake of the fire not only impact the immediate area but also serve as a cautionary tale for the adherence to safety standards in urban environments, especially in regions prone to such disasters.