BRAZIL: 57 inmates feared dead after outbreak of bloody clash between prison crime groups

Blood flowed freely at the Altamira prison in northern Brazil on Monday when no less than 57 prisoners were killed during clashes between organised crime groups at the Altamira prison.

According to local Para state prison, 16 of the victims who lost their lives in the bloody incident were decapitated, while others suffocated after the prison buildings were set on fire.

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State prisons chief Jarbas Vasconcelos said at a news conference that the fight between the criminal groups at the Altamira prison erupted in the morning, when breakfast was being served.

Vasconcelos also revealed that the clash started when a group of prisoners reportedly tried to take over another part of the prison complex.

He also noted during the press conference that the count of victims could rise when authorities have searched all areas in the prison.

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