At Least 83 Killed in Chile’s Worst-Ever Prison Fire

[Judi Lynn]

At Least 83 Killed in Chile’s Worst-Ever Prison Fire
December 08, 2010, 11:50 AM EST
By Randy Woods

Dec. 8 (Bloomberg) -- At least 83 inmates died in a pre- dawn fire at an overcrowded prison in Chile. Authorities described the blaze as the biggest tragedy in the history of the country’s prison system.

The fire at San Miguel prison, in the capital Santiago, started during a fight between inmates, Luis Masferrer, national director of prison guards, said on state television channel TVN.

At least 21 people are being treated for injuries, President Sebastian Pinera told reporters near the prison, where he was overseeing the government’s response. An estimated 14 inmates suffered life-threatening burns, Health Minister Jaime Manalich said.

Dozens of inmates’ family members gathered outside the jail and threw rocks at police, demanding to know the identities of those who died.

More:
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-12-08/at-least-83-killed-in-chile-s-worst-ever-prison-fire.html

[Judi Lynn]

1. Nine photos chosen and displayed at the W.S.J.:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703493504576007350445357850.html