Mexico's Topo Chico Prison Riot Leaves 52 Dead, 12 Injured

A violent riot and a fire in the Monterrey prison Topo Chico, has left 52 dead and 12 injured, as confirmed by Nuevo Leon governor Jaime Rodriguez. The fight reportedly began between two members of different factions; one led by a member of the notorious Zetas drug cartel. Authorities believe the fire might’ve been initiated as a distraction to attempt an escape, but assure that no inmates fled the prison’s facilities.

The Civil Police Force and the Mexican Army reportedly controlled the incident, after being sent to surround the prison and contain the damages inside. However, after the news broke, hundreds of family members rushed to the gates of Topo Chico demanding information about their loved ones who were still inside. "I want to know that my daughter is OK. She is in the infirmary. There are children in there," one woman said.

The unfortunate event happened just a week before Pope Francis visits a prison in the nearby Ciudad Juarez. So far authorities have not confirmed if this will change the Pontiff’s agenda.