Violent Prison Fight in Illapel, Coquimbo Region Leaves Inmates and Official Injured
A brawl inside the Illapel prison in the Coquimbo region of Chile on Friday, October 24, 2025, resulted in injuries too three inmates and one Gendarmerie official, prompting an immediate investigation and a subsequent raid of the facility. The fight reportedly began during an altercation in the prison’s dining hall, quickly escalating into a larger confrontation involving multiple inmates.
The altercation triggered a swift response from the Regional Gendarmerie Directorate, wich launched an investigation to determine the root causes of the incident. According to reports, the three inmates sustained various injuries during the fight, while the Gendarmerie official was injured while attempting to restore order. The official sustained a broken arm and facial lacerations, while the inmates suffered cuts, bruises, and one a suspected fractured rib.
Authorities have identified those responsible for the unrest and have isolated them from the general prison population. A potential transfer of these inmates to other correctional facilities within the region is currently under consideration. Those identified as instigators are believed to be members of rival gangs vying for control within the prison.
Following the fight, Gendarmerie personnel conducted a complete raid throughout the Illapel prison, seizing contraband including makeshift weapons and illicit cell phones. Simultaneously, an administrative investigation is underway to determine accountability for the incident and any potential lapses in security protocols. The raid involved over 50 Gendarmerie officers and took approximately six hours to complete.
The injured inmates and the affected Gendarmerie official received medical attention at the Illapel Hospital, where they were provided specialized care for their injuries. All four individuals are currently in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by correctional facilities in maintaining safety and security within their walls. The investigation is expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances that led to the violent outbreak and inform future preventative measures. Authorities are reviewing security footage and interviewing inmates and staff to gain a complete understanding of the events that transpired.
