"The only thing I would like to know is if my dog is alive or dead. The rest can be recovered," says a fire victim in downtown Guayaquil
A woman named María Mejía expresses her anguish over the loss of her home and missing dog after a significant fire in Guayaquil.
On March 6, María Mejía was away from her residence when a fire broke out, ultimately destroying everything she owned. The blaze occurred in a multi-story building on Rumichaca and Benalcázar streets in downtown Guayaquil, with reports suggesting that welding work being conducted on one of the floors may have been the cause, although this remains unconfirmed.
Emergency services dispatched 80 firefighters who managed to partially control the fire by the early evening. Despite the efforts, Mejía's primary concern was for her pet dog, 'Negro,' who was inside the apartment when the fire started. As she waited anxiously for news, she lamented the emotional bond she shared with her dog, indicating that while material possessions could be replaced, the attachment to her pet was irreplaceable.
The incident has highlighted the potential dangers associated with construction work in residential areas, raising concerns about safety regulations and enforcement. As the community rallies support for Mejía and others affected by the fire, it serves as a grim reminder of the risks residents face and the profound impact such tragedies have on their lives.