9 killed in Brazilian prison riot

Nine inmates were killed and 11 were injured Monday during a riot at a jail in the north-eastern Brazilian city of Fortaleza, dpa reported. The daily O Estado de Sao Paulo reported that all the dead and injured suffered burns and asphyxiation after inmates set mattresses alight. Eight of the injured were hospitalized with life-threatening wonds. The mutiny broke out early Monday in the Temporary Prison in Itaitinga, in the metropolitan area of Ceara state capital Fortaleza. State authorities said the riot was sparked by a dispute between rival gangs of prisoners. Guards and militarized police moved to end the mutiny, and inmates responded by setting mattresses ablaze. The rebellion was put down within a few hours, though local media reported that the situation inside the prison remained tense.