Scores killed in Chile prison fire

08/12/10 13:33 CET

world news

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More than 80 people, mostly prisoners, are reported killed in a fire at a jail in the Chilean capital Santiago.

It is not known what caused the fire at the San Miguel prison but reports say there was a riot in the early hours of the morning.

Television pictures showed flames engulfing the jail and black smoke billowing from the building. Some inmates waved their hands through the bars in one wing, as frantic family members cried and screamed, imploring police to let them in.

Some 200 people were evacuated into a jail yard.

Dozens of volunteer firefighters are battling the blaze alongside specialist teams. It is described as the worst disaster Chile’s prison industry has ever known.

More about: Chile, Clashes and riots, Jail

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