Two explosions reported within a 24-hour period have raised concern in Quito, leaving multiple people injured and causing significant damage to homes in different parts of the city.
The most recent incident occurred in the Aymesa sector in southern Quito, where three people were injured. Emergency crews from the city’s fire department responded quickly to the scene and provided assistance to those affected.
This explosion followed an earlier incident in the Zabala sector in the north of the city. In that case, a person with a disability suffered burns and was taken to a medical facility. The blast caused extensive damage, completely destroying a home and affecting more than 40 nearby properties, including broken windows, damaged roofs, and structural impacts.
Authorities say both incidents are consistent with what is known as a deflagration—a rapid combustion caused by the buildup of gas in an enclosed space. When ignited by a spark or heat source, the accumulated gas can trigger a sudden explosion.
Fire officials are emphasizing that these types of incidents are most often linked to domestic gas leaks. Faulty installations, worn hoses, or damaged connections can allow gas to accumulate unnoticed until it ignites.
In response, the Quito Fire Department is urging residents to take preventive measures. These include regularly inspecting gas systems, replacing hoses every six months, and ensuring that valves and connections are properly installed and maintained.
The back-to-back incidents highlight the risks associated with household gas systems and the importance of routine maintenance, particularly in densely populated urban areas where explosions can affect multiple homes at once.