The World - News from Dec. 30, 1987
Nine inmates took 16 people hostage at a prison hospital in Brazil and soaked them in alcohol, threatening to set them ablaze unless authorities provided three getaway cars. Authorities complied, supplying the getaway cars, and the inmates drove off, releasing nine of the hostages, including a pregnant woman, as they fled through suburban areas of Porto Alegre, 720 miles southwest of Rio de Janeiro. Seven hostages were believed still held by the escapees.
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.