In the early hours of March 16, a fire broke out in a parking lot in the center of Manta, Ecuador, leading to the destruction of at least seven vehicles and two motorcycles. The fire started at around 4:00 AM at the intersection of Calle 8 and Avenida 8, an area where drivers typically leave their cars overnight. Local residents alerted authorities after witnessing flames engulfing the vehicles.

Witnesses reported seeing several men arriving on two motorcycles, jumping the parking lot's fence, and spraying gasoline on the cars before igniting them. However, this account has not yet been confirmed by the police. Local residents also mentioned that security cameras installed in the area may have captured the incident, and these recordings will be reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation into the fire's cause and the individuals involved.

The Manta Fire Corps responded promptly, sending several units to the scene to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading further. As investigations continue, the incident highlights concerns over safety and potential criminal activity in the area, with residents demanding more effective measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.