Fire Erupts at Uruguay’s Largest Prison, Kills Four Prisoners

2025-06-17 02:33:59

(MENAFN) A fire that erupted Monday inside Uruguay's largest correctional facility claimed the lives of four inmates, the country’s Interior Ministry confirmed.

According to the National Rehabilitation Institute (INR), which operates under the ministry, the fire ignited in the early afternoon within a cell block at Santiago Vázquez Prison—previously known as Comcar.

The blaze was contained by emergency crews before it could spread beyond the initial area, the INR noted. However, "three prison guards were affected by carbon monoxide inhalation," the agency added.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, with forensic teams working at the scene to identify the fire’s origin.

This deadly event follows a previous tragedy at the same facility in September 2024, when six inmates were killed in a fire deliberately set amid violent gang clashes, according to court findings.

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