Two separate riots at a prison in Mexico’s north-western state of Sinaloa have left 12 people dead, including a two-year-old child who was visiting a family member at the facility.
The first incident occurred on Thursday, October 8, at the El Castillo prison in Mazatlán, leaving nine inmates and the child dead, while 16 other inmates were injured, according to reports.
Local media reported, citing the Sinaloa State Public Security Secretariat, that the child was visiting the prison when the violence broke out during family visiting hours.
According to Mexican newspaper El Universal, the incident began with a fight between inmates in one prison unit before spreading to another. Gunfire was also reported during the confrontation.
The child’s father, an inmate at the facility, was among those injured, the newspaper reported.
Less than 24 hours later, another riot broke out at the same prison on Friday, October 9, killing two more inmates.
The Sinaloa State Public Security Secretariat confirmed the second incident, saying security personnel intervened to bring the situation under control and protect other inmates and prison staff.
Authorities also notified the state prosecutor’s office to investigate the latest deaths.
