( CNN ) -- A prison brawl and fire left 29 inmates dead and dozens injured in eastern Bolivia , state media reported Friday . The incident at Palmasola prison in Santa Cruz started with a battle between two groups . A child was among the fatalities , state-run ABI news agency said . At least 50 people were injured . Bolivia allows children to legally live with incarcerated parents . President Evo Morales expressed sympathy and solidarity with victims and their families . He demanded an investigation into the incident , which authorities described as the deadliest prison violence in Bolivia . State media reported that the fire started early Friday with a confrontation between two groups of inmates . One group attacked the other with sharp weapons and firearms , and set two liquid gas cylinders on fire , sparking an explosion . At least 100 additional troops were dispatched to reinforce security inside the prison , according to state media . The prison is a maximum security facility .
The attack is the deadliest prison incident in Bolivia , authorities say . It left at least 20 people injured . Bolivia allows children to legally interact with incarcerated adults .