A violent prison riot in Machala, southwest Ecuador, has claimed at least 31 lives, making it one of the country’s deadliest incidents this year, according to Ecuador’s national prisons agency, SNAI. Most victims died from asphyxiation, while the causes of others’ deaths are still under investigation. The unrest reportedly began around 3:00 a.m., with residents hearing gunfire, explosions, and cries for help.

Elite tactical police units were deployed to regain control of the facility. Officials confirmed dozens of inmates and one police officer were injured. Forensic teams are working at the scene, and authorities emphasized that conclusions will only follow a full review of evidence.

Though officials have not confirmed gang involvement, the prison recently underwent a reorganization, a process that has previously triggered clashes. Ecuador’s prisons are known for gang influence and internal power struggles, and past incidents suggest rival groups often play a role in outbreaks of violence.

Ecuador’s penitentiary system has been plagued by organized crime, with over 500 inmates killed in prison-related violence since 2021, often linked to drug trafficking. The Machala facility itself has experienced multiple deadly riots in recent months, highlighting a pattern of escalating instability.

The tragedy underscores a broader crisis in Ecuador, where rising drug-related violence is spilling into prisons and beyond. Authorities continue their investigation, aiming to understand how such extreme violence could erupt inside a facility meant to keep inmates secure.