78 people killed in Venezuela police station fire

By Sorwar Alam

ANKARA

Rioting and a fire in a police station in northern Venezuela on Wednesday night left at least 78 people dead, the country’s chief prosecutor said early Thursday.

The incident which took place in the city of Valencia in Carabobo state killed 68 men and 10 women, the local media quoted Juan Miguel Matheus, a lawmaker, as saying.

Venezuela Attorney General Tarek William Saab said on his official Twitter account that four special prosecutors have been appointed to investigate the incident.

The blaze was reportedly sparked after prisoners set their beds on fire in an attempt to break out of jail.

Visitors of the prisoners were also among the victims, local sources said.