13 die in Turkish prison fire
Thirteen prisoners have died in a fire at a Turkish prison which broke out on the evening of 16th June. It has been reported that the fire was started deliberately by inmates during a dispute.
Five prisoners were taken to hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation.
Firefighters took nearly 2 hours to bring the blaze under control whilst security personnel attempted to restore order at the prison.
Celalettin Guvenc, Sanliurfa governor said: “Why weren’t (the firefighters) there on time, what caused the fighting, why were these people killed? All of these will be investigated.”
Police Officers blocked road access to the jail and it has been reported that they used pepper spray to disperse the angry crowds which had begun to gather outside the prison.
An investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched. The investigation will also look at the time it took authorities and emergency services to respond to the fire.
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