Police race to a prison in Honduras where at least one inmate was killed and eight wounded during clashes between rival groups.

Such violence is not uncommon in a country increasingly used as a transit route for cocaine from South America to the United States.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) HUGO VELASQUEZ, POLICE COMMISSIONER, SAYING:

"At the moment, we have counted eight inmates who were injured, and one who died in the hospital as he was receiving medical treatment."

Honduras has the world's highest murder rate.

Last year there were more than 80 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in a nation of 8 million.

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Lawlessness, poverty and a crumbling justice system have left the country battered by ultra-violent gangs and drug cartels.

Lily Grimes, Reuters