A student celebration descended into chaos when a party truck packed with young people overturned in the middle of a city street.
Shocking footage shows the modified lorry, known locally as a “chiva”, tipping onto its side as dozens of students and former students were on board.
The crash happened at a road junction shortly after 1 pm on Saturday (3 October).
READ MORE: Influencer’s chilling ‘death I feared most’ post resurfaces after fatal horror crash
The chiva had been carrying youngsters linked to a graduation parade organised by La Providencia Educational Unit.
Several passengers were thrown onto the pavement in the terrifying incident in Azogues, Ecuador.
It had been decorated with balloons for the celebration, with several passengers riding on top.
As it travelled through the city centre, the vehicle suddenly lost stability before toppling onto its side.
Passers-by rushed over to help the occupants escape while emergency crews were called.
Firefighters, police and paramedics attended the scene, as reported by Need To Know.
Initial reports said 10 people had been injured and taken to medical facilities.
But the eventual number of youngsters treated was considerably higher.
Fernando Quevedo, medical director of Clemed Hospital in Azogues, said 22 minors had been taken to that hospital alone.
Three suffered injuries to the head and chest, while another suffered a fractured arm and another had a sternum injury.
The remaining patients suffered multiple injuries.
Three youngsters were kept in hospital and were said to be in a stable condition.
Other injured passengers were taken to at least three other hospitals.
There were no reports of deaths following the accident, which remains under investigation.
Early reports have suggested the vehicle may have encountered a problem with the road surface, while another possibility reported is that it was overloaded with passengers.
READ MORE: Veteran wrestling referee 75 dies in ring after being hit with a banned move
