Two dead after 174 criminals escape from cells in ‘armed prison break’
TWO people have died after a “violent prison break”, with 174 criminals escaping from their cells and fleeing the area in what officials have called a “mutiny”.
Footage from Haiti prison break
Police in northern Haiti are on high alert, setting up checkpoints to catch the criminals – many of whom who are fleeing barefooted from their incarceration.
The escapees exchanged gunfire with police during the chaotic breakout from the prison in Arcahaie, which is just an hour’s journey from capital Port-au-Prince.
The inmates attacked after they were released from a crammed holding pen to bathe, according to provincial authorities.
Eleven inmates were caught during the break as inmates broke into an area used by the guards, stealing at least five rifles among other weapons.
One guard was shot dead as the criminals made a break for freedom.
Only 92 of the prison’s 266 inmates remain behind bars, while police are believed to have caught several people without identity cards who are suspected of being escapees.
The inmates of Arcahaie prison do not wear uniforms, making it easier for the fugitives to hide in plain sight.
Authorities and embassies are warning people to stay away as the manhunt intensifies.
The Haiti government tweeted: "The government condemns in the strongest terms the incidents at Arcahaie civil prison, which was targeted on Saturday by a mutiny."
One local described “Dozens of vehicles carrying heavily armed UN and Haitian forces” seen around the area of the break out.
The government confirmed that special units of their state police are “on hand to secure the area and take offenders off the streets”.
Haiti's Minister Of Justice Camille Edouard Junior said one prisoner died after falling off a wall and hitting his head during the escape.
He added: “One policeman was killed killing the incident,
"Three prisoner were wounded, including one who died as a consequence of his wounds."
The justice minister has been told to take “all necessary measures” by the nation’s prime minister Enex Jean-Charles.
Officials have also called on the public to do everything they can to help officers hunting down the convicts.
Marc Aurèle Garcia, the minister for culture and communication, said: “The Government invites local residents to show vigilance and collaboration with law enforcement.”
The break for freedom comes at a difficult time for Haiti, which is still reeling from Hurricane Matthew.
The natural disaster killed 1,000 Haitians and cause crippling damage to local infrastructure.
More to follow…