The Venezuelan government has launched an investigation into Friday's prison riot that has left 29 inmates killed, authorities said Saturday.

Gen. Edylberto Molina, deputy minister of the Integrated Police System (Visipol), headed a "technical team" that is in charge of the probe.

He has met with Rafael Calles, governor of northwest Portuguesa state where the prison riot happened, and other local authorities.

At least 29 inmates were killed and some 10 officers injured in the incident at a police station prison in the city of Acarigua of Portuguesa state, according to local media.

The incident occurred when police tried to stop a "massive prison break."