At least 49 prisoners were killed and dozens were more injured on Tuesday morning during the prison pride in Southwest Colombia, an official from the National Prison Agency told AFP.
“So far there have been 49 people killed,” said a spokesman for the National Penitentiary and Prison, added that the calculation of the City of Tulua was an introduction and “could change.”
The tragedy took place during the escape efforts followed by fire, Carapol Radio quoted the authorities.
According to the report, more than 40 people were injured.
President Ivan Duque who came out sent a tweet offering his solidarity with the relatives of the victims.
He did not give a count of death.
“We regret the events that occurred in prison in Tulua, Valle Del Cauca,” Duque said.
“I have given instructions to clarify this terrible situation. My solidarity is with the families of the victims.”
Fatal prison riots are not uncommon in Latin America. In the neighbor of Colombia, Ecuador, nearly 400 prisoners have been killed in six riots since the beginning of 2021