Multiple deaths reported in Machala prison riot; 15 arrested in first days of national strike; Cuenca tram celebrates five years as ridership approaches 30,000

A prison riot in Machala has left at least 14 people dead, including a guard. According to National Police, the violence was the result of a conflict between members of the Los Choneros and Los Lobos gangs. Following the first reports of gunfire within the prison, more than 300 police and soldiers moved in to retake control of the facility.

The death toll was the highest for a prison riot since President Daniel Noboa declared an emergency in the country’s prisons in late 2023.

According to Machala police chief William Calle, prisoners involved in the violence used a variety of smuggled weapons in the uprising. “They had guns and bombs and grenades,” he said. “There needs to be an investigation about how these things made it into the prison. Obviously, bribes were paid to some of the guards.”

Cuenca’s tranvía marked its 5th year of operation of September 22.

At least 15 prisoners escaped during the riot, but Calle said 13 had been captured by Monday afternoon.

15 strikers arrested
At least 15 people have been arrested throughout Ecuador during the first five days of the national strike, according to Interior Minister John Reimberg. He said most of the arrests involved blockages of public roadways.

He said 12 of the arrests were made in Cotopaxi and Imbabura Provinces.

According to Reimberg, police and military personnel attempted to talk to demonstrators before moving in to dismantle roadblocks. “We reminded them of the law and provided warning that their actions could lead to arrest,” he said. “When we did not get a positive response, we used minimal force to make arrests and clear the roads.”

Two arrests were made Monday in Otavalo, following an attack on a police station.

Tram celebrates five years of operation
The Cuenca tranvía marked five years of operation this week with daily ridership approaching 30,000. Launched in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the system carried an average of 8,000 passengers during the first year of operation.

The project, which suffered multiple delays during nine years of construction, was funded 75% by the national government and 25% by the municipality.

According to the city finance office, ticket sales covered 62% of operational costs in 2024, with the city covering the balance. “When ticket prices increase later this year or in early 2026, the subsidy should drop to 20% or less,” according to transportation consultant Paul Martinez. “The problem is low ticket prices, not low ridership,” he said, adding that 23% of riders pay only 17 cents per ride, which he called “unrealistic.”

In February, French train manufacturer Alstom reported that the Cuenca tranvía system suffered the fewest accidents per kilometer of 74 similar systems around the world. There were 20 collisions with motor vehicles in 2023 and 15 in 2024.