In the early hours of March 6, a military unit from Ecuador's 15th Motorized Infantry Battalion was involved in a serious traffic accident on the coastal road, specifically at kilometer 30. The unit was returning from security operations when it was struck by a trailer, resulting in the military vehicle overturning. Eyewitness images showed the vehicle's dire state and the soldiers spread across the road following the collision.

The incident tragically claimed the life of soldier Jhonatan Guapatin Panimboza, while seven other military personnel sustained various degrees of injuries. Emergency response teams, including firefighters, quickly arrived at the scene to assist the injured, who were then taken to Naval Hospital and the Alcívar Clinic for medical evaluation. The incident has raised concerns about road safety and the risks faced by military personnel during operations, particularly in transit.

In a statement, the Ecuadorian Army expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased soldier and offered support to the injured members of the military. This accident highlights the dangers associated with military logistics and the importance of ensuring safe transportation for troops returning from duty, underscoring the need for improvement in road safety measures in the region.