On February 16, in the Chillayacu sector of Uzhcurrumi parish, Pasaje canton in El Oro province, a serious traffic accident occurred when a truck veered off the road and tumbled approximately 600 meters down a cliff into a river. The incident was reported late in the afternoon, leading to an immediate search and rescue operation by the National Police and firefighters. Two men, Julio Enrique Macas Asanza and José Peñaloza, were later declared missing following the accident.

Rescue teams resumed their search efforts early on February 17, working in conjunction with local community members. As the search continued, they successfully located the truck at the bottom of the river, which had scattered debris throughout the area. The police reported that another individual, Jonathan Macas, was found injured but alive and was taken to a healthcare facility for treatment, highlighting both the chaos of the accident and the prompt response of the local community.

This tragic incident not only raises questions about road safety in the region but also emphasizes the importance of swift rescue operations in mountainous areas of Ecuador. The ongoing search for the two missing men reflects the dangers associated with travel in such terrain, where slips and falls can have dire consequences. Authorities and community members are likely to continue their efforts while also examining possible causes for this unfortunate accident to prevent similar occurrences in the future.