San Salvador:
A fire broke out in a prison north of El Salvador's capital on Wednesday, killing at least 16 young inmates and injuring 27.
Nine of the injured are listed in serious condition with burns, according to Mauricio Ventura, director of the Rosales Hospital in the capital, San Salvador.
The prison in the city of Ilobasco held 93 inmates, mostly men who had served time young offender facilities and were transferred there when they turned 18 to serve out any remaining sentences.
Initial reports indicate the fire was accidental and may have been caused by an electrical short circuit, said Red Cross Spokesman Carlos Lopez Mendoza. Police said they were still investigating the cause.
Police took charge of guarding the inmates who remained.
In September, a law took effect in El Salvador making membership in a street gang punishable by four to six years in prison and gang leaders face up to 10 years. Gangsters arrested for specific crimes also fill El Salvador's jails.
President Mauricio Funes introduced the law in July, a month after suspected members of the Mara 18 gang opened fire on a bus and set it ablaze, killing 17 people.
An estimated 20,000 Salvadorans belong to street gangs, which deal in drugs and protection rackets.
Nine of the injured are listed in serious condition with burns, according to Mauricio Ventura, director of the Rosales Hospital in the capital, San Salvador.
The prison in the city of Ilobasco held 93 inmates, mostly men who had served time young offender facilities and were transferred there when they turned 18 to serve out any remaining sentences.
Initial reports indicate the fire was accidental and may have been caused by an electrical short circuit, said Red Cross Spokesman Carlos Lopez Mendoza. Police said they were still investigating the cause.
Police took charge of guarding the inmates who remained.
In September, a law took effect in El Salvador making membership in a street gang punishable by four to six years in prison and gang leaders face up to 10 years. Gangsters arrested for specific crimes also fill El Salvador's jails.
President Mauricio Funes introduced the law in July, a month after suspected members of the Mara 18 gang opened fire on a bus and set it ablaze, killing 17 people.
An estimated 20,000 Salvadorans belong to street gangs, which deal in drugs and protection rackets.
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