In a dramatic turn of events early Tuesday, more than 200 prisoners managed to escape from the notorious Malir Jail in Karachi, Pakistan, following a significant earthquake that struck the region. As tremors shook the prison, thousands of inmates took advantage of the chaos, forcefully breaking down their cell doors, shattering windows, and ultimately storming the prison's gates.
According to local police, while 80 inmates have been re-arrested, over 130 are still unaccounted for. Tragically, during the jailbreak, one individual was killed and two prison officers sustained injuries as authorities attempted to regain control of the situation.
Inmate outbursts started around midnight as many feared the building might collapse. Police responded by firing warning shots into the air, which prompted many prisoners to return to their cells while others, driven by panic, seized the opportunity to escape completely.
This facility, situated in the Malir district, is the second largest prison in the Sindh province and is currently operating well beyond its intended capacity, housing approximately 5,000 inmates instead of the designated 2,200.
Prison officials, including Superintendent Ali Hassan Zardari, have emphasized that the escape resulted from a natural disaster rather than a security failure, reinforcing that prison security was on high alert before the incident. In light of the jailbreak, Zardari has called for a thorough investigation and warned that any personnel found negligent would face consequences.
Outside the prison, families have gathered to express their outrage, especially since visits have been postponed due to the incident, exacerbating concerns for those with relatives incarcerated inside. Meanwhile, police are conducting extensive operations, going door-to-door in an effort to locate and apprehend those who remain on the loose following the extraordinary escape.
