16 We currently have about 116 prison guards, although we should have at least 250 to staff two shifts. 27 42. As for the structure of Cellblock 19, the experts from the General Bureau of Criminal Investigations (DGIC) and other authorities who examined the scene included the following description in the autopsy reports: Cellblock 19 is part cinder block and part brick that has been plastered and painted. The cellblock is part of the larger prison complex, but is separated from the other cellblocks. It has a perimeter wall of plastered block and metal bars on the upper portion. It has only one entrance, which is a metal gate with a metal latch. […] Immediately facing the second gate is the entrance leading into the cellblock and the only access to the inmates’ sleeping quarters; it is a wide space with two parallel rows of bunk beds. Each bunk bed has three tiers and each tier is able to hold five beds. The one exception is the fifth bunk bed, which is large enough to accommodate six beds per level […] Inside are three split air conditioners; the first is in the ceiling above bunk three; the second is on the west wall, in the ceiling over the division; while the third is on the wall. It sits above a normal bed. The ceiling in the bathroom and sleeping areas is a metal structure with cross bars supporting zinc roof sheeting, which underlies the second-story floor, also made of cement. 28 43. At a proceeding conducted at the scene of the crime the agents and specialists from the General Bureau of Criminal Investigations found the following electrical devices inside Cellblock 19: 29 62 ventilators, 2 refrigerators, 10 television sets, 2 mini splits, 3 compressors for the mini splits, 3 electric irons, 5 speakers, a set of sound equipment, 1 VHS recorder, 1 microwave, 1 blender and one electric stove. 44. In his report on the fire in Cellblock 19, the National Human Rights Commissioner observed the following about its physical condition: CONADEH saw that so-called “House 19” was a concrete structure of some 200 square meters. It housed 183 inmates who were members of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS). These measurements met that each inmate had an area of 1.09 square meters, not counting the space taken up by the refrigerators and other cooling appliances, beds and other […] Apart from the cramped space, the cellblock had no window, which meant that natural ventilation and lighting had no way to get in; the interior was always dark; artificial lighting was the only thing possible. As for safety in the event of emergencies, this cell had only one evacuation route […] 30 . 45. In their observations on the merits, the petitioners provide testimony from members of the Catholic Church’s Pastoral Penitenciaria [Prison Ministry] who had been working at the San Pedro Sula Prison on a steady basis for years. This was testimony not heard in the judicial inquiries 27 Original petition received on July 14, 2005. Annex 2. Article published in Tiempo, Wednesday, May 19, 2004. 28 Original petition received on July 14, 2005. Annex 17. Case 1009/04, Folios 56-58: DGIC. Autopsy Report, Report No. 659-2004. 29 The petitioners’ observations on the merits, dated April 10, 2009. Annex 20. CD with the record of the domestic court proceedings in the case and testimony. Case 1009/04. Volume VII. Folios 1809 and 1810: Annex to Report No. 6592004. The petitioners’ submission of April 21, 2007. Annex: CONADEH. Special Report with recommendations on the 30 fire in the San Pedro Sula Prison on May 17, 2004, pp. 7 and 8.