24 Inmates die in prison brawl in Ecuador

Quito, Sep 28 (EFE).- Twenty-four inmates were killed and 49 others injured Tuesday in a clash inside a prison in the coastal city of Guayaquil, Ecuadorian authorities said.

The nature of the fatal wounds indicates that firearms and explosives were involved, police district commander Fausto Buenaño said.

The injured prisoners were receiving medical treatment outside on the prison grounds, he said.

Pablo Arosemena, governor of the surrounding province of Guayas, said that the situation was under control.

“Police tactical units have managed to restore order,” he said, adding that traffic was flowing normally again on the roads in the area, which had been shut down as a precaution.

The prison service said that the disturbances began with confrontations between gangs vying for control of rackets inside the penitentiary.

Less than a week ago, a search of the prison turned up three guns, more than 350 rounds of ammunition, a grenade, 12 sticks of dynamite and illegal drugs.

Officers also found “improvised explosive devices,” 27 knives, 16 cell phones and a two-way radio, according to the prison service.

On Sept. 13, another prison in Guayas province was the target of a drone attack that caused three explosions and caused damage to the roof. EFE fa/dr