Riot in Brazilian Prison Leaves at Least Five Inmates Dead

At least five inmates died in a riot that lasted almost 24 hours in a maximum-security prison in the Brazilian state of Acre, in the north of the South American country.

Related:
Grain Silo Explosion in Brazil Leaves Eight Dead

On Thursday, the government of Acre confirmed the death toll after retaking control of the prison in the city of Rio Branco, capital of the northern Brazilian state.

On Wednesday, Acre authorities reported that two inmates and a policeman were injured in the riot.

The incident started after at least 13 detainees tried to escape from the Antonio Amaro prison, but the guards who were guarding the place prevented the escape.

The local government said that after regaining control and putting an end to the riot, police forces recovered 15 firearms.

"All circumstances will be duly investigated, and we will endeavor to correct the failures that occurred" in the prison, said the Secretary of Justice and Public Security of Acre.

The local government set up a crisis committee to try to control the situation, with the collaboration of authorities in Brasília.