Similar incidents happened in Brazilian prisons in October. (Source: Google Maps) Similar incidents happened in Brazilian prisons in October. (Source: Google Maps)

Brazilian state authorities say at least 60 inmates have died during a prison riot in the northern state of Amazonas. State public security secretary Sergio Fontes says it’s the biggest prison massacre in the state’s history. And an unconfirmed number of inmates also escaped during the riot that extended from Sunday afternoon to Monday morning.

Two of the biggest crime gangs of Brazil began fighting last year over control of several prisons and authorities in Amazonas believe that’s the reason behind the first riot of 2017.

Fontes says the inmates made few demands to end the riot, which hints at a killing spree organized by members of a local gang against those of another that is based in Sao Paulo.

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