Antigua prison fire leaves one inmate dead, another injured

Antigua and Barbuda: A fire broke out at His Majesty’s Prison on Monday afternoon, killing an inmate who was around 30-years old. Due to the fire, the prisoner was injured.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of his family.Prison officials say preliminary information suggests the inmate started the fire inside his cell.

The blaze erupted shortly before 4 p.m., prompting a response from the Fire Department within minutes. Another inmate sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment. The extent of those injuries has not been disclosed.

Authorities have not yet released further details about the circumstances surrounding the fire.

People have criticised the fire and stated that this was very bad as they have not worked for the security and safety in the prison. One of the users also explained the entire story and said, “I knew that day would come and it would expose some of the madness taking place behind those walls.”

She also listened to an ex inmate tell how they are locked down at 2.00pm daily. She added that they are locked and keys are put away and inaccessible to officers working anytime after until 7.00am the following morning.

She added, “How then can an inmate receive needed attention when the officers are unable to get to him? That’s not possible.”

Though the facts and circumstances are not known, she would gladly wager that it is because the officers were unable to get to the inmate that he perished.

Another person added that they don’t deserve no phones, weed nor cigarettes in jail..absolutely no luxuries at all. The user criticised that they should stop committing crimes and stay out of jail.

Now, the investigation is ongoing into the matter and added that the government is looking for ways for the safety and security in the prison which is important.