Tragic Fire at Peru’s Huancayo Prison Claims Lives

A devastating fire at a prison in Huancayo, Peru, has resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals and left over a dozen others injured, as reported by the National Penitentiary Institute (INPE).

The incident occurred on Tuesday evening around 9:30 p.m. local time, specifically in a shoe workshop located in pavilion two of the Huancayo Penitentiary. The fatalities were reportedly caused by asphyxiation.

Upon the outbreak of the fire, prison security alerted local firefighters, who quickly dispatched a team of approximately 30 personnel, along with ambulances and support vehicles, according to reports by Xinhua news agency.

The emergency response also included around 100 officers from the National Police of Peru, an on-duty prosecutor, as well as ambulances from the Emergency Medical Service and other agencies.

INPE confirmed that, following established safety protocols, inmates from pavilion two were evacuated to a secure area to ensure their safety, and they are collaborating with authorities to investigate the incident.

According to private broadcaster Exitosa, initial reports suggest that a short circuit in the shoe workshop may have ignited the fire, which was worsened by the presence of flammable materials.