Argentine prison fire kills 29

Nov 05,2007 00:00 by UPI

BUENOS AIRES -- A massive fire started to mask an escape attempt at a maximum security prison in Argentina has left at least 29 inmates dead, La Nacion reported Monday.

The fire reportedly broke out late Sunday at the Varones prison in the northern Argentine province of Santiago del Estero.

Officials at the facility said the fire was started by inmates trying to escape.

The blaze at the prison, which houses about 460 prisoners, has since been brought under control.