MONTEVIDEO, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Four inmates died after a fire broke out Monday at Uruguay's largest prison, the Interior Ministry reported.

The National Rehabilitation Institute (INR), run by the ministry, said the fire broke out early in the afternoon at a cell in the Santiago Vazquez Prison (formerly Comcar), "resulting in the deaths of four inmates."

Firefighters were able to control the blaze before it spread to other parts of the facility, the INR said, adding "three prison guards were affected by carbon monoxide inhalation."

Experts are working at the site to determine the cause of the fire, the agency said.

In September 2024, a fire intentionally started at the same prison due to disputes between rival gangs claimed the lives of six inmates, according to judicial investigation. ■