Baby among 22 injured in Guayaquil food stall explosion; stone hit infant's head

An explosion at a food stall in Guayaquil, Ecuador, injured at least 22 people, including six minors, on Sunday, August 23, 2026. The incident occurred in the El Fortín sector, near Casuarina Avenue, and is believed to have been caused by accumulated gas from tanks at the fast-food establishment.

Fourteen of the injured received treatment at the General Monte Sinaí Hospital. Among them were six children, who are under medical supervision. Some individuals are being observed for contusions and abrasions, while others are in critical condition with severe burns. An eight-month-old baby is also under observation after a stone struck his head during the blast.

The explosion, reported at 8:06 AM to the ECU 911 Samborondón, caused cement blocks from the building to fall on residents and shattered windows. Firefighters controlled the situation and removed gas cylinders from the premises, while ambulances provided first aid.

The Ministry of Labor and Human Development has initiated humanitarian aid for those affected, promising support to families as authorities investigate the explosion's causes. This aid arrived on Monday, August 24, 2026. Following the incident, residents in El Fortín have urged for increased oversight of food stalls, citing previous warnings about a strong gas odor emanating from the now-destroyed establishment.