Negombo, Sri Lanka. Twenty-five people were killed and about 100 injured in clashes between two groups of prisoners at Negombo prison on Monday, according to two police sources and one hospital source cited by Reuters. Officials said it was the country’s deadliest prison riot in more than five years.
Clashes and casualties
Rival drug gangs at Negombo prison killed four guards and triggered a major security response, The Daily Star reported.
Police said those wounded were taken to Negombo hospital following the overnight clashes.
Pushpa Gamlath, director of the state-run hospital, said there were 23 bodies at the facility and more than 100 wounded inmates and guards. Gamlath told AFP, “There are some victims with gunshot injuries, some with cuts and severe bruises.”
Unrest spreads through prison
The fighting began on Sunday evening at Negombo prison, which officials said houses several thousand inmates.
Female inmates in an adjoining section climbed onto a roof and demanded their release after reports of the fighting spread across the prison.
Police said part of the roof collapsed, injuring some of the women.
Security response and witnesses
Large crowds of inmates’ relatives gathered outside the prison on Sunday while the air force deployed drones and a helicopter to monitor the area.
Local residents said they heard gunshots.
