On March 13, a gun attack took place on the Bucay-El Triunfo road, specifically near a toll booth where heavily armed assailants opened fire on a bus traveling to Guayaquil. Eyewitnesses reported that the incident unfolded shortly after 1:10 PM, leading to chaos and fear among those in the vicinity. Videos circulated on social media showing at least five individuals lying in pools of blood, highlighting the severity of the violence encountered during this attack.

Among the wounded, two men were seen shot in the aisle of the bus, while three others were also visibly injured in their seats from gunfire. The attack has incited significant concern given the rising levels of violence associated with organized crime in Ecuador, where such incidents have become alarmingly common, particularly targeting public transportation and civilians. As news of the attack spread, local law enforcement was dispatched to the scene to investigate and help those affected.

This incident not only raises questions about passenger safety on public transport but also underscores the broader issues of security and crime in Ecuador. The government faces mounting pressure to address gang violence that has increasingly infiltrated various aspects of daily life, emphasizing the urgent need for effective strategies to enhance public safety and restore confidence among citizens.