Starting from 5:00 AM on Monday, March 2, firefighters from Cuenca and the public company Etapa began search and rescue operations for four individuals who have been reported missing in Cajas National Park. A group of people entered the park on Sunday; however, four of them, aged between 20 and 45 years, did not return to their meeting point. This situation was reported to the emergency service ECU911, prompting search efforts by emergency agencies since the early hours of Monday morning.

By 9:50 AM, the Cuenca Fire Department reported that the Drone Unit was joining the search operations to help locate the four missing individuals. The weather conditions reportedly improved by this time, assisting the efforts of the search crews. The authorities remain on high alert as they strive to find the missing persons, emphasizing the importance of safety precautions while exploring national parks.

This incident highlights the potential risks involved in hiking and exploring natural parks, especially for groups that may not be adequately prepared. The ongoing search operations underscore the critical role of local emergency services in responding to such situations and ensuring public safety in these environments.