49 Inmates Die Attempting To Break Out Of Colombia Prison

Spokesperson for the National Penitentiary and Prison Institute said the total count is preliminary and "may change".

At least 49 inmates were killed and dozens more injured early Tuesday during an attempted prison escape in southwestern Colombia, an official from the national prisons agency told AFP.

"So far there are 49 dead," said a spokesperson for the National Penitentiary and Prison Institute, adding that the count from the city of Tulua was preliminary and "may change."

The tragedy occurred during an escape attempt followed by a fire, Caracol Radio quoted authorities as saying.

According to that report, more than 40 people have been injured.