Guards Blamed for Venezuelan Jail Fire

National Guardsmen acting out of “wickedness” started a fire in a crowded jail cell that killed at least 25 prisoners, the national prisons director said Wednesday.

Three guards at La Planta jail--including Capt. Osmen Martinez, the detachment’s leader--fired tear gas and incendiary devices into two adjacent cells shortly after the 6 a.m. roll call on Tuesday, Antonio Marval said after interviewing inmates and jail officials.

All three guards have been detained and could be charged with premeditated murder, Marval said. They haven’t spoken with reporters.

Prisoners in one cell broke through their locked gate and fled to safety. Prisoners in the other cell who could not flee through a small hole near the ceiling were burned to death.

The guards’ motives were unclear.