An ongoing prison riot in Mississippi has left one guard dead and five injured, authorities say.

The “inmate disturbance” began at 2:40pm at the Adams County Correctional Facility â€" a 2,567 low-security prison in Natchez, Miss., the Natchez Democrat reports.

Sheriff Chuck Mayfield told the newspaper that the riot was linked to a power struggle among hierarchies within the inmate ranks.

Witnesses say they saw white smoke â€" possibly tear gas â€" and sounds of gunfire coming from inside the prison.

Five employees at the prison were sent to a local hospital to be treated for various injures, the Natchez Democrat reports, while additional members are receiving medical care on-site.

Authorities say no inmates have escaped the prison.

Click for more from the Natchez Democrat.