Eight dismembered bodies found at pit near illegal mine in Azuay, Ecuador
Authorities found eight dismembered bodies near an illegal mining site in Pucará; police say wounds point to machete attacks and bodies were buried about two days earlier.
Eight dismembered human bodies were discovered in a pit beside an illegal mine near the town of Pucará in Azuay province, Ecuador, the local police announced. Preliminary information indicates the victims include seven men and one woman; the remains, found yesterday, showed visible signs of violent injuries.
Police describe brutal signs; investigation under way
According to the police, at least four of the deceased were residents of the town where illicit mining activity takes place. The remains were "buried at a depth of about two meters", with bound hands and "injuries such as dismemberment and decapitation" inflicted with a machete, Police Chief Pablo Inga told reporters.
Authorities say the bodies were interred roughly two days before they were uncovered. Forensic teams are working to establish the victims’ identities; officials have not yet released names.
The discovery comes from a region of Azuay where the organized group known as Lobos exerts influence. Illegal extraction of gold and copper has intensified in the area in recent years, fueling clashes and criminal activity.
Azuay is one of ten provinces in Ecuador that declared a state of emergency in June amid rising armed violence. Local police and national security forces have increased operations in mining zones, but the scale of clandestine activity presents persistent challenges.
Investigators continue processing the scene and collecting evidence. Officials say they will provide further updates as forensic results and identification efforts progress.
Photo: press material from the event
