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Venezuela's top penitentiary official says a riot broke out between rival gangs in a Caracas prison, killing eight inmates and wounding 16 more.

Consuelo Cerrada says gunfire erupted as prisoners fought for control of cellblocks inside the La Planta lockup.

Cerrada says most of the victims died of gunshot wounds.

She tells local media that authorities retook control of the prison following Wednesday's riot.

Violence is common in Venezuela's overcrowded and understaffed prisons, as in many other parts of Latin America.

Some corrupt prison guards help inmates gain access to firearms and other weapons and contraband.