Seven injured in van rollover on Quito's accident-prone Simón Bolívar Avenue

A serious traffic accident occurred early Sunday morning on Quito's Simón Bolívar Avenue, resulting in injuries to seven individuals. The incident involved a van rollover in the Puengasí sector, reported by the Metropolitan Fire Department of Quito at 4:24 AM. Emergency medical personnel provided pre-hospital care at the scene before transporting the occupants to healthcare facilities for further assessment.

The injured passengers included five women aged 56, 29, 24, 22, and 5, along with two men aged 53, and a minor. The Metropolitan Fire Department urged drivers to operate vehicles responsibly and adhere to traffic laws. The agency collaborated with the Metropolitan Transit Agency (AMT) to manage traffic flow in the affected area.

This incident highlights a persistent safety issue on Simón Bolívar Avenue, which has become the most accident-prone road in Quito. Data from Quito Data Vial indicates 225 traffic incidents occurred on this avenue between January and July of the current year, significantly more than other monitored routes. In comparison, Avenida Mariscal Sucre recorded 188 accidents, followed by Maldonado with 86, and 6 de Diciembre with 60.

Overall traffic safety in Quito remains a concern. The AMT reports an average of one traffic accident every 2 hours and 21 minutes, with a fatality occurring every 32 hours and 53 minutes. Historical data shows a steady increase in accidents, injuries, and fatalities. In 2023, the city recorded 3,601 accidents, 2,279 injuries, and 250 deaths. While 2024 figures show a slight decrease in injuries, the number of accidents and fatalities has risen. Collisions constitute the majority of these incidents, with weekend days and specific morning and late afternoon hours showing higher frequencies.