Dozens Killed in Women’s Prison Clashes in Honduras

Local media reported that clashes and a fire at a women’s prison in Honduras on Tuesday left at least 41 women dead and several more injured.

According to the Honduran newspaper El Heraldo, in a women’s prison in the city of Tamara, in the province of Francisco Morazán, clashes took place in the center between female prisoners belonging to two rival gangs, the Mara Salvatrucha and the Barrio 18. countries.

The newspaper indicated that a group of women were trapped in the bathroom and set on fire, while others were killed in knife and gunshot clashes.

Several of the wounded were taken to the hospital.

The newspaper quotes prosecutor’s office spokesman Iurie Mora: “We can’t talk about the exact number, but there are about 25 burnt bodies”, noting that 5 medical teams are working on the spot.

And Deputy Security Minister Sima Vilyanoeva declared a state of emergency in the prison and prompt intervention by the police and firefighters.

Hours after the fire and clashes, Honduran President Siumara Castro expressed her shock at the events at the women’s prison, called on the security minister and the investigative committee to report on the incident, and vowed to take “strong action” if the result.

Source: El Heraldo newspaper.