After fire, 376 inmates from Buenaventura prison will be transferred

A fire broke out at the temporary detention center known as "Marte" in Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca, during the early hours of August 10, 2026. The blaze resulted in four fatalities among inmates and left much of the facility destroyed. As a consequence, authorities have ordered the relocation of 376 detainees currently housed there to other facilities across the country. The incident occurred amid heightened security concerns following a major earthquake that struck the region earlier the same day, causing widespread damage and diverting emergency resources. The fire erupted during a conflict between members of two criminal gangs, reportedly over a dispute involving their leadership. According to officials, the violence escalated into a confrontation that led to the outbreak of flames. The structure was largely consumed by the fire, with approximately 90 percent of its infrastructure damaged. Emergency services managed to contain the blaze by around 1:30 a.m., but the damage had already been done. Six individuals were confirmed dead, while several others sustained severe burns and required medical attention at local hospitals. The temporary detention center, which houses individuals awaiting trial or transfer to permanent facilities, was found to be home to members of organized crime groups such as Los Shottas and Los Espartanos. These groups have long been associated with violent activity in the area. The destruction of the facility has raised concerns about potential instability in the region, particularly given the ongoing presence of these criminal elements. Authorities have coordinated efforts to ensure the safe relocation of all detainees. The Ministry of Justice has worked alongside the Defense Ministry and the Department of Police to facilitate the move. This collaboration is necessary because the administration and custody of the facility fall under the responsibility of the national police rather than the National Institute of Prisons and Detention (Inpec). Despite this, the government has committed to ensuring both the safety of the public and the well-being of the detainees during the transition process. The governor of Valle del Cauca, Dilian Francisca Toro, has maintained close communication with the minister of justice, Iván Alfonso Cancino González, to expedite the relocation procedures through Inpec. The government has emphasized the need to prevent further unrest and maintain order in the wake of the disaster. Security forces have been deployed throughout the area to manage the situation and assist with recovery efforts related to the earthquake. The timing of the fire coincided with the aftermath of a powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, which caused extensive damage to parts of Buenaventura. This dual crisis has placed additional strain on local emergency response teams, who have been stretched thin trying to address both incidents simultaneously. The earthquake prompted evacuations and disrupted essential services, complicating the immediate response to the fire. As the relocation of detainees continues, officials remain focused on ensuring that the process is carried out safely and efficiently. Medical personnel have been mobilized to provide care for those affected by the fire, and logistical arrangements are being made to transport the detainees to alternative detention centers. The exact locations of these new facilities have not been disclosed, but the government has assured that appropriate measures will be taken to protect the rights and dignity of the individuals involved. The incident highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement and correctional authorities in managing crises in high-risk areas. With the destruction of key infrastructure and the displacement of vulnerable populations, the focus remains on restoring stability and addressing the broader implications of the disaster.