More than 200 prisoners broke free from Malir Jail in Karachi, Pakistan's most populated city, after a powerful earthquake struck early Tuesday morning. The inmates reacted to the tremors by forcefully breaking down their cell doors and window panes, ultimately rushing towards the main exit.
Authorities reported that while 80 of the escapees were quickly recaptured, there remain over 130 individuals unaccounted for. Tragically, one inmate lost his life during the ensuing chaos, and two prison guards sustained injuries while trying to maintain order.
According to the prison's superintendent, inmates began to panic as they feared the structural integrity of the building was compromised due to the quake. As shouts rang out from both cells and barracks late at night, prison officials responded with warning shots to regain control. Many prisoners ultimately returned to their cells, but 216 seized the opportunity to flee during the turmoil.
Local police are conducting extensive searches in the area, even visiting former homes of the escaped prisoners in efforts to apprehend those still on the run. With the facility being significantly overpopulated—housing approximately 5,000 inmates despite a capacity of 2,200—the escape was particularly distressing for officials.
Ali Hassan Zardari, the provincial prisons minister, has announced an investigation into the event and emphasized strict action against any negligent officers. The superintendent emphasized that the occurrence resulted not from security oversights but rather was a direct outcome of a natural disaster. Amidst these developments, families have gathered outside the prison, expressing their frustrations over the postponed visitation rights for their loved ones.
Authorities reported that while 80 of the escapees were quickly recaptured, there remain over 130 individuals unaccounted for. Tragically, one inmate lost his life during the ensuing chaos, and two prison guards sustained injuries while trying to maintain order.
According to the prison's superintendent, inmates began to panic as they feared the structural integrity of the building was compromised due to the quake. As shouts rang out from both cells and barracks late at night, prison officials responded with warning shots to regain control. Many prisoners ultimately returned to their cells, but 216 seized the opportunity to flee during the turmoil.
Local police are conducting extensive searches in the area, even visiting former homes of the escaped prisoners in efforts to apprehend those still on the run. With the facility being significantly overpopulated—housing approximately 5,000 inmates despite a capacity of 2,200—the escape was particularly distressing for officials.
Ali Hassan Zardari, the provincial prisons minister, has announced an investigation into the event and emphasized strict action against any negligent officers. The superintendent emphasized that the occurrence resulted not from security oversights but rather was a direct outcome of a natural disaster. Amidst these developments, families have gathered outside the prison, expressing their frustrations over the postponed visitation rights for their loved ones.
