A British man was killed in Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest after being accused of fatally shooting a local resident. The shocking incident occurred in the remote Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, where the man was allegedly seized by a mob and burned alive following his arrest by local police.
The man, whose identity has not yet been released, was reportedly handed over to officers at around 6am on Sunday by members of the local community in connection with the shooting of Ecuadorian national Rodrigo Chavez. According to local media, he was taken from the police station about six hours later by a group of people and set alight in full view of law enforcement.
Mob Stormed Police Station and Set British Man on Fire
Reports from Ecuadorian news outlets, including Ecuavisa and Extra, suggest the mob overpowered police in the parish of Playas de Cuyabeno, located in the Sucumbios Province. The area, part of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, is known for its biodiversity and is a popular destination for eco-tourism.
Police officers at the station reportedly refrained from intervening due to concerns for their own safety, with reinforcements delayed by the remote location and limited accessibility of the area. The man’s death reportedly occurred around midday on the same day he was arrested.
Unclear Legal Aftermath Following Double Death
Local authorities have confirmed that two individuals died during the incident—Rodrigo Chavez, a member of the Kichwa community, and the British national, who succumbed to severe burns. The fatal confrontation reportedly occurred after a community event in celebration of the Kichwa anniversary.
As of Monday, it remains unclear whether any arrests have been made in connection with the lynching. Ecuadorian authorities have yet to issue a full statement on the incident or confirm the identity of the deceased British citizen.
