Some 15 inmates injured in Lusignan prison fire

Approximately 15 inmates of the Lusignan Prison have suffered injuries following a fire which completely gutted a section of the facility on the East Coast of Demerara.

The News Room understands that two of the prisoners are at the Georgetown Public Hospital in a stable condition; one sustained burns to his arm and shoulder and the other has trauma to the abdomen.

The News Room understands that the gutted wooden building houses between 280-300 inmates who have all been displaced.

Police Headquarters in a brief statement Sunday said the “situation is contained at this time and logistics and other systems are being implemented.”

“There are no reports of death or escape at this time,” the statement added.

The fire, which started at about 12:45h, has been extinguished. The Police statement noted that the prisoners started to “riot” after illegal drugs were found in the facility.

“As a consequence, the relevant joint services protocol was activated.  Joint Services ranks were able to contain the riot and escort most prisoners from the Lusignan Prisons to nearby facilities,” Police Headquarters noted.

Following the fire, ranks of the Guyana Defence Force were deployed to assist members of the Police Force, Fire and Prison Services secure the facility.

The GDF helicopter and several ambulances are currently at the scene along with fire tenders.