Prison fire injures over 30 inmates in South Africa

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - More than 30 prisoners were injured on Friday after a fire broke out at the Leeuwkop prison north of Johannesburg in South Africa, an official has said.

“Thirty-six inmates were treated for smoke inhalation, but eight of them are seriously injured with burn wounds,” Johannesburg police spokesman Capt. Kay Makhubela told Anadolu Agency late Friday.

Makhubela said the fireö which started Friday afternoonö had only affected one prison cell. “We are currently investigating the cause of the fire,” He said.

However, local media claimed that the fire was started by some inmates who wanted to prevent prison guards from inspecting their cell to search for narcotics and weapons.