In a startling chain of events, over 200 inmates managed to escape from Malir Jail, a significant prison facility in Karachi, Pakistan, after an earthquake rattled the city early on Tuesday. As tremors shook the building, fears for their safety led prisoners to break down doors, smash windows, and rush towards the prison gates.
According to police reports, 216 inmates seized the moment to flee amid the chaos, prompting an immediate response from security forces. In the ensuing turmoil, clashes left one inmate dead and two prison officers injured. Amidst the panic, many prisoners chose to return to their cells once police began firing warning shots into the air.
Despite the chaotic atmosphere, police have since recaptured approximately 80 of the escaped inmates, while efforts to locate the remaining 136 individuals continue. Law enforcement is conducting door-to-door searches to intercept anyone still in hiding.
Malir Jail, located in the Sindh province, is currently overpopulated, housing roughly 5,000 inmates despite a maximum capacity of only 2,200. The high number of detainees likely contributed to the overwhelming response seen during the quake.
Prisons Minister Ali Hassan Zardari indicated that an investigation would be launched to determine whether any officers will be held accountable for the escape. Meanwhile, the prison's superintendent emphasized that the incident was a consequence of a natural disaster, not a security oversight, highlighting that security protocols were indeed activated during the disturbance.
The seismic event has incited frustration among families of the remaining inmates, who are protesting outside the jail's gates due to postponed visitations. The situation remains tense as authorities work to secure the facility and ensure that all individuals involved are accounted for.
