Dozens Dead in Mexico Prison Riot

Governor says 52 prisoners were killed
By Arden Dier,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 11, 2016 8:42 AM CST
Updated Feb 11, 2016 9:40 AM CST
Dozens Feared Dead in Mexico Prison Riot
It may have been sparked by an escape attempt.   (Twitter)

Scores of inmates at a prison in the Mexican city of Monterrey are dead following a predawn riot on Thursday. The state governor in Nuevo Leon says 52 were killed and 12 more injured, reports the AP. Gunshots and explosions were reportedly heard from within the prison, where a fire broke out, apparently after an escape attempt, per the BBC. Relatives on-site for conjugal visits reported seeing inmates with burns.

A public security rep in the state of Nuevo Leon says the riot began around midnight, noting, "The authorities formed a security cordon and nobody escaped. Everything was under control at 1:30am." Local media, however, reported seeing police vehicles combing the streets near the prison in search of possible escapees. The riot comes only a day before Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive for his first papal visit to Mexico. He plans to visit a notorious prison in Ciudad Juarez, once considered one of the most violent cities in the world, next week. (More Mexico stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X