By IANS
Sao Paulo : At least 7 people were killed and more than 70 injured when prisoners fought with the armed guards after a jailbreak attempt in Maceio, the capital of Brazil’s northeastern state of Alagoas, Spanish news agency EFE reported quoting local media.
Seven of the injured were said to be in serious condition.
The riot started Saturday after guards swung into action and tried to prevent the escaping inmates.
The police, supported by its Special Operation Battalion, was called in to put down the riot when the number of rioters swelled and spread to other parts of the jail.
The jail facility, which has the capacity for 250 inmates, currently houses 290 prisoners who are awaiting trial.
The jail administration said the inmates set fire to the prison buildings and destroyed furniture and other items.
An investigation into the causes of the death of inmates has been initiated, it said.