More than two dozen inmates at Avenal State Prison were injured in a major riot Monday night, prompting authorities to put the medium-security prison on lockdown.
The riot erupted about 8:30 p.m. on an exercise yard, said prison spokesman Lt. Doug Snell. It was a conflict between rival Hispanic gangs, he said.
About 193 of the 1,026 inmates who occupy Facility 5 were involved, Snell said. This is the third riot at Avenal since Aug. 15. The prison houses 6,430 inmates.
The riot lasted 10 minutes before being brought under control by tear gas. It flared up again briefly about 10:30 p.m., but guards fired foam bullets to quickly quell it, Snell said.
Of those injured, 24 were were taken to five hospitals for stab and slash wounds, Snell said. Two inmates had to be flown to hospitals, while 16 ambulances from Kings, Tulare, Madera and Fresno counties took the rest.
Seven inmates were still hospitalized Tuesday, with one man in serious condition, though his wounds were not considered life-threatening.
Inmates were stabbed with "shanks" -- inmate-manufactured weapons. Snell said about 30 shanks were recovered. Inmates also used canes and wheelchair parts, such as footrests.
Avenal State Prison does not have individual cells but rather has open dorms. While on lockdown, no prisoners are being let out of the dorms except to go to the dining hall, a prison spokesman said.
The reason the riot started is being investigated, and charges could be filed against those involved.
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