The Municipality of Quito has announced it will take legal action against those responsible for a construction project in Tumbaco after part of the structure collapsed, raising concerns about safety and regulatory compliance.
The incident occurred at a building site located at the intersection of Vicente Rocafuerte and Guayaquil streets, in the Tumbaco area east of Quito. Municipal inspectors confirmed that structural elements of the project had failed, creating a risk for workers on-site as well as for nearby homes.
Authorities said the project had already been ordered to stop earlier this month. On March 4, municipal control officials suspended the construction due to the absence of a required safety plan. Despite that order, work continued at the site.
During a follow-up inspection on March 28, officials discovered that construction had resumed without authorization. It was during this inspection that the structural collapse was identified, reinforcing concerns about the dangers of continuing work without meeting basic safety and technical requirements.
Following the latest inspection, the Municipality’s control agency reinstated the suspension and launched formal sanction proceedings. Those responsible for the project could face fines of up to $24,000 under local regulations.
In addition to administrative penalties, the case is now being escalated to the criminal level. Officials confirmed that a complaint will be filed with prosecutors due to the decision to continue construction despite the suspension order. This type of violation may be treated as a criminal offense under Ecuadorian law, with potential penalties of up to three years in prison.
The situation highlights ongoing enforcement challenges in rapidly growing areas like Tumbaco, where construction activity has increased significantly. Authorities say the case serves as a warning that failure to comply with safety standards and official orders can lead to serious legal consequences.