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Dog Rescued From Treacherous Tar Spill in Quito
19 Feb
Summary
- A tanker truck spilled 10,000 tons of tar in Quito, Ecuador.
- Bystanders and firefighters collaborated to rescue a trapped dog.
- Contact with tar poses serious health risks to canines.

A dog was dramatically rescued from a hazardous tar spill in Quito, Ecuador, on November 13, 2025. The incident began when a tanker truck overturned, spilling an estimated 10,000 tons of tar onto the street, creating a sticky and dangerous obstruction.
Footage captured the distressed canine struggling in the thick substance, with its hind legs completely immobilized. Alerted by the animal's plight, civilians and emergency responders quickly mobilized to provide assistance. They strategically placed metal sheets to create a safe pathway across the tar.
Firefighters eventually intervened, carefully lifting the dog's hind legs one by one until it was freed. The rescued animal was then carried to safety by three individuals. Exposure to tar can lead to severe health complications for dogs, such as drooling, appetite loss, breathing difficulties, and painful burns.