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Salta Jail Fire Hospitalizes at Least 14 as Prosecutor Opens Criminal Case

Investigators are examining a blaze tied to a cellblock fight, with rights monitors blaming chronic overcrowding.

Overview

  • Prosecutor Pablo Paz opened an inquiry under Article 186(4) and shifted the case to the Unidad de Graves Atentados, with forensic and fire teams processing pavilion B1.
  • Authorities report 14 inmates treated for burns and carbon monoxide poisoning and say six remain in intensive care with prognosis reserved, mainly at Hospital San Bernardo.
  • Some accounts cite a higher toll with up to 18 injured and report wounded penitentiary staff, reflecting evolving counts across agencies.
  • Initial findings point to a fight and the burning of mattresses inside the pavilion; penitentiary officials carried out emergency evacuations and arranged preventive transfers.
  • The Committee for the Prevention of Torture highlighted severe overcrowding, noting cells holding roughly triple their intended capacity and an Alcaidía population far above its design limit.