At least 31 dead in riot-hit Ecuador prison, many asphyxiated

Authorities said at least 27 inmates were found dead by asphyxiation on Sunday afternoon at an Ecuadorian prison where an armed riot left four others dead and dozens injured in the morning.

In a statement, prison authorities said the 27 individuals found dead at the Machala prison in El Oro province had “among themselves committed asphyxiation, which caused immediate death by suspension”.

Authorities said they were still working to “fully clarify the facts”, and forensic medical personnel were on site to verify information.

The deadly day at Machala’s prison marked the latest spasm of prison unrest in the South American country.

Ecuadorian prisons have become operational centres for rival drug-trafficking gangs, with over 500 inmates killed in fighting between groups competing to control the lucrative but illegal trade.

The morning incident broke out around 3am at the prison in Machala, a southwestern city.