LA PAZ, March 15 (Xinhua) -- The number of deaths from a clash between police and prisoners at the prison of Palmasola in eastern city of Santa Cruz has risen to eight, the Bolivian government announced on Thursday.

Deputy Minister of Interior Ministry, Jose Luis Quiroga, told a press conference that two prisoners died of injuries on late Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

One police officer remains in serious condition after receiving a gunshot wound to the stomach.

Over 2,300 armed police entered the Palmasola prison on Wednesday morning to carry our an inspection.

On Thursday morning, the families of prisoners gathered outside the gates to find out information about their loved ones.

Quiroga said the police defended itself due to prisoners reacting violently to the inspection and opening fire.

Police commander General Faustino Mendoza said that Palmasola had been under a "regime of terror" under the control of a group who monopolized criminal activities within the prison.

In 2013, a battle between inmates for control of the prison killed over 30 people, including a child who lived with his father.