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Argentine prisoners die in fire Argentine prisoners die in fire
(about 1 hour later)
At least 31 prisoners have died after a fire swept through a maximum security prison in Argentina.At least 31 prisoners have died after a fire swept through a maximum security prison in Argentina.
The blaze broke out late on Sunday in a cellblock at the Varones jail housing 460 inmates, in the province of Santiago del Estero.The blaze broke out late on Sunday in a cellblock at the Varones jail housing 460 inmates, in the province of Santiago del Estero.
The fire was started by prisoners who were trying to escape, reports say.The fire was started by prisoners who were trying to escape, reports say.
Most of the deaths were caused by asphyxiation as the block filled with smoke, said Ricardo Daives, the justice minister for the province.Most of the deaths were caused by asphyxiation as the block filled with smoke, said Ricardo Daives, the justice minister for the province.
Another 10 people, including some prison guards, were treated for smoke inhalation.Another 10 people, including some prison guards, were treated for smoke inhalation.
Relatives protest
The authorities say that shortly after visiting time a group of prisoners set fire to their mattresses in what looked like an attempt to cause confusion and escape.
But the fires rapidly spread to other blocks and the inmates were trapped.
The authorities have now regained control of the prison and the fire has been put out.The authorities have now regained control of the prison and the fire has been put out.
"The death toll could rise by two more," Mr Daives said on local TV. As news of the fire spread, inmates' relatives gathered outside the prison, demanding a list of the dead and injured and there were a number of clashes with police.
"We won't be able to tell exactly until an investigation is complete. But the situation is now under control." Riot police fired rubber bullets and tear gas after about 200 people tried to break through barricades blocking an entrance to the prison, the government news agency Telam reported.
A similar incident happened in October 2005, when 32 inmates were killed in the prison of Magdalena, south-east of Buenos Aires, in a fire started during an uprising.A similar incident happened in October 2005, when 32 inmates were killed in the prison of Magdalena, south-east of Buenos Aires, in a fire started during an uprising.