perhaps no one dies if they had maul's

A PRISON riot in Brazil's northeastern state of Maranhao left 18 prisoners dead, officials announced overnight, after finding nine additional bodies the day after the unrest.

Five prison guards, who were held hostage for more than 24 hours, were freed overnight after negotiations.

"Nine bodies were discovered Tuesday (local time) and all the hostages were freed," said state security secretary Aluisio Guimarares.

Nine others were killed yesterday in fighting at the over-capacity prison, the secretary said.