Fire victims not part of riot say witnesses

Seven prisoners inside a burning cell at the Juvenile detention center in Tocumen, Panama, on January 9, were not part of a riot taking place in another part of the facility.

Five of them have since died at San Tomas Hospital, and the other two are being treated for massive burns to up to 70 percent of their bodies.
Investigators have found that the fire was started by tear gas canisters fired by police officers were trying to to disperse the rioters. The seven inmates were trapped inside the cell.
Investigators have interviewed 15 inmates, all of whom said the victims were not part of the riot.
Police were shown on TV, ignoring the screams for help and witnesses said police refused to allow firefighters inside the prison until one of the victims dangled a burned arm outside a window.