Gunfire erupts at Venezuela prison, troops outside

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuelan troops and police are standing guard outside a prison in Caracas after gunfire erupted during what an official says was the second escape attempt in three days.

Prisons chief Iris Varela says authorities foiled the escape attempt by an inmate at La Planta prison Monday morning. She says the inmate was trying to escape on a roof of the prison when gunfire broke out.

Officials say one National Guard soldier was wounded.

Varela says authorities are negotiating with inmates at the prison.

Relatives of inmates have gathered outside the prison, crying, embracing and praying while dozens of soldiers and police in anti-riot gear stand guard.