REPORTS OUT OF Guyana indicate the bodies of 16 prisoners have been discovered inside the remand section of the Camp Street prison in Georgetown following a fire, which was started by inmates.
The Guyana Chronicle said one prisoner, Rayon Paddy, died at the Georgetown Public Hospital after suffering from severe burns and five other prisoners have been hospitalised.
A search has been launched for more bodies inside the prison.
A large crowd has since gathered outside including relatives of inmates who were observed crying, asking about the condition of the prisoners. The fire service has been able to quell the fire.
On Wednesday night, the prisoners set ablaze their mattresses at the penitentiary during protest clamouring for their freedom and better living conditions.
The prison was built to hold 775 inmates but reportedly now houses more than 1 000. (Guyana Chronicle/NB)