The charred remains of at least 41 inmates at a notorious women’s prison in Honduras were discovered after a vicious brawl between two gangs, as residents reported hearing inmates crying for help.
The violence broke out at the Penitenciaria Nacional Femenina de Adaptación Social in Tamara, Honduras, earlier today.
A relative of one of the two victims claimed women from a brutal gang known as Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) entered the cell belonging to someone from the Barrio 18 Gang.
It was earlier reported two women died in the incident but it was later updated to suggest dozens of women were killed.
Their remains were discovered in the compound's bathroom as an emergency was declared and residents reported hearing the women calling for help.
Julissa Villanueva, deputy minister of security and president intervention of the National Penitentiary Institute (INP), said on Twitter: “Well, heavy-handed action and reaction now in the female prison of Támara.
“We will not tolerate acts of vandalism or irregularities in this jail.
“Immediate intervention with the accompaniment of firefighters, police and military is authorised.
“An emergency is declared.”
Local media reported some of the victims had burned to death while others were shot as the violence overwhelmed the guards.
Residents who live near the compound reported hearing gunfire earlier this morning from inside the prison and thick plumes of smoke was seen.
Yuri Mora, spokesman for the Public Ministry, said: “Five Forensic Medicine teams have been displaced.
“We cannot speak of an exact number, but there are around 25 burned bodies.
“When there are charred bodies, it is more difficult to recognize the corpses, but it is done with DNA, teeth or if there is a trace that can be read.”
Local media suggested a further five inmates were taken to hospital with injuries.
Authorities are now attempting to identify the bodies.
One person said on social media: “Acts of vandalism are staining walls and throwing stones.
“Vice Minister, this was a full-fledged criminal act allowed by prison officials, hopefully if they put a strong hand and not just come up with another operation whose name seems to be the title of a Mexican movie."
Another called for harsher sentences, adding: “These people should be separated from the other inmates in dark rooms and on bread and water for several days until they learn or understand they are prisoners.
“They have no right to anything that they lost from the moment they committed crimes, a strong hand for all of them.”
