At least 16 killed in prison fire in Guyana amid riot

Police stand guard outside Georgetown Prison after a riot and fire at the facility in Georgetown, Guyana, Thursday, March 3, 2016. At least 16 prisoners died in the fire as they protested conditions inside the prison in the capital of the South American country, authorities said. (AP Photo/Bert Wilkinson) Police stand guard outside Georgetown Prison after a riot and fire at the facility in Georgetown, Guyana, Thursday, March 3, 2016. At least 16 prisoners died in the fire as they protested conditions inside the prison in the capital of the South American country, authorities said. (AP Photo/Bert Wilkinson)

By Associated Press March 3, 2016 2 min read

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) – At least 16 prisoners died in a fire Thursday as they protested overcrowding and other issues inside a prison in the capital of the South American country of Guyana, authorities said.

Inmates set two fires during a riot in the most secure section of Georgetown Prison as guards swept the lockup and seized drugs, cell phones and other items, said Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan.

“We have a crisis on our hands,” he said. “Long delays in trials have caused much frustration and vexation among prisoners.”

The first fire was set late Wednesday using mattresses and was extinguished with no injuries reported. The second fire was set Thursday around noon and led to the fatalities, officials said.

Ambulances were seen entering the facility’s main gate, and authorities said at least eight prisoners were hospitalized for burns and smoke inhalation. Officials were seen carrying at least one prisoner by the feet and shoulders with burns on most of his body.