Violence in Brazil prison

Officials said a local drug gang had invaded the prison wing controlled by its rivals in the city of Altamira in the state of Pará, decapitated 16 prisoners and setting mattresses on fire, with dozens more thought to have asphyxiated in the smoke.

The security force intervened but could not suppress so many prisoners; two guards were taken hostage. The authorities had to mobilize police and military forces to blockade the prison.