Santiago  - At least 10 prisoners died Sunday in a fire inside a Chilean prison, police said.

Three inmates were seriously injured in the blaze, which was blamed on alcohol distillation being done illicitly by inmates. The fire reportedly broke out when the still was knocked over during a fight between prisoners in a barracks-style cell.

Six fire engines were needed to bring the blaze under control. Crowds of relatives of inmates gathered outside the penitentiary waiting for the dead and injured to be identified. (dpa)