DHAKA: Dozens of people have been killed in a riot at a prison in northeastern Mexico, according to local media.

At least 50 people died after a riot broke out in the early hours of Thursday local time in the prison of Topo Chico, in the state of Nuevo Leon.

Milenio TV images showed police vehicles patrolling the streets near the prison.

Milenio reported that relatives of prisoners who had been within the jail's premises for visits had heard gunshots and that a blaze had broken out.

It also said the relatives had seen inmates with burns and that authorities were scouring for escapees.

The number of people killed in the riot has not yet been confirmed by security officials.

The Nuevo Leon state government said on Twitter the situation had been brought under control, but gave no details on what had happened at the prison.

The casualties included both inmates and prison guards, local media said.

Families of the inmates rushed to the prison following the reports of fatalities.

Source: Al-Jazeera

BDST:  1958 HRS, Feb 11, 2016
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