10 deadly prison fires around the world

The Associated Press

Posted: Feb 15, 2012 12:56 PM ET

Last Updated: Feb 15, 2012 1:36 PM ET

More than 300 inmates of a Honduran prison died, many locked in their cells, as a fire ravaged the prison Wednesday. (Reuters)

A list of some of deadliest prison fires around the world, including Wednesday's fire in Honduras that has killed more than 300 people.

Feb. 15, 2012: 356 people unaccounted for, with most presumed dead, in fire at Comayagua prison in Honduras.

April 21, 1930: 322 killed at Ohio Penitentiary in Columbus, Ohio, after fire starts on scaffolding. Most died of smoke inhalation when breakdown in command kept guards from unlocking cell doors. Worst prison fire in U.S. history.

March 7, 2005: 136 male inmates killed in Higuey, Dominican Republic, after prison fight in which inmates set beds on fire. Prisoners accused of jamming cell locks and killing others trying to escape.

Jan. 3, 1994: 108 people die after inmates set fire in Sabaneta prison in Venezuela.

May 17, 2004: 104 inmates killed at dilapidated, overcrowded prison in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Police said fire was started by short circuit-sparked explosion.

April 5, 2003: 86 prisoners die in fires set during riot at El Porvenir prison farm outside La Ceiba, Honduras.

Dec. 8, 2010: 81 killed in fire begun during prison riot at San Miguel prison in Santiago, Chile.

Sept 15, 2003: 67 inmates dead in worst prison fire in Saudi Arabian history, at maximum security al-Hair Prison near Riyadh.

Nov. 1, 2002: 50 inmates killed in fire at overcrowded Sidi Moussa Prison in coastal town of El Jadida, Morocco. Authorities blamed electrical short circuit for Morocco's worst prison fire.

Sept. 20, 2002: 30 male inmates die at La Vega prison in Dominican Republic after mattresses are set ablaze during riot set off by surprise weapons inspection.

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