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Mexico prison riot leaves 'dozens dead' in Monterrey Mexico prison riot leaves 'dozens dead' in Monterrey
(35 minutes later)
Dozens of people are reported to have been killed in a riot and a fire at a prison in northern Mexico.Dozens of people are reported to have been killed in a riot and a fire at a prison in northern Mexico.
Some inmates are also said to have escaped from the Topo Chico prison near the city of Monterrey. The riot at the Topo Chico jail near the city of Monterrey broke out just after midnight.
Smoke could be seen billowing from the complex, Mexican broadcaster Televisa reported. Smoke was seen billowing from the complex but officials in Nuevo Leon state say the situation is now under control and no prisoners have escaped.
Streets outside the jail were blocked by families worried about relatives inside. Riot police were holding the crowd back. Crowds of people worried about relatives inside the jail blocked roads outside, demanding information.
Officials have so far made no comment and it was not immediately clear how many people had died. Televisa put the toll at 30, while Milenio TV said 50 people had been killed. "I want to know that my daughter is OK. She is in the infirmary. There are children in there," one woman said.
The incident comes just days before Pope Francis is due to visit a prison in the northern city of Ciudad Juarez, an area notorious for violence between drugs cartels.
It was not immediately clear how many people had died in Topo Chico. Broadcaster Televisa put the toll at 30, while Milenio TV said 50 people had been killed.
Milenio said inmates and guards were among the casualties.Milenio said inmates and guards were among the casualties.
Witnesses reported hearing shouts and explosions when the fire began in the early hours of Thursday. Topo Chico prison
The Nuevo Leon state government said the situation was under control but gave no details on what had happened.
Witnesses reported hearing shouts and explosions when the fire began in the early hours.
Mexican newspaper El Universal said one of four buildings in the prison had been set alight by inmates burning furniture and rubbish.Mexican newspaper El Universal said one of four buildings in the prison had been set alight by inmates burning furniture and rubbish.
The cause of the riot was not clear. One report said it had been triggered by an escape attempt by prisoners belonging to the notorious Zetas drugs cartel.The cause of the riot was not clear. One report said it had been triggered by an escape attempt by prisoners belonging to the notorious Zetas drugs cartel.
Gang violence and break-outs are common in Mexico's notoriously overcrowded and corrupt prison system.Gang violence and break-outs are common in Mexico's notoriously overcrowded and corrupt prison system.
In 2012, 44 inmates were killed in a riot at the Apodaca prison in Monterrey. Another 30 prisoners escaped. The prison's director was later sacked.In 2012, 44 inmates were killed in a riot at the Apodaca prison in Monterrey. Another 30 prisoners escaped. The prison's director was later sacked.
Are you in Monterrey? You can email your story to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Are you in Monterrey? You can email your story to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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