Inmate killed in fire

Inmate killed in fire

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: A prisoner identified as Ambo
Aseng was killed when fire ravaged a local penitentiary here on
Saturday. One of two fire engines was burned along with the
building.

The charred body of Aseng, 50, was found in his ruined cell,
police said.

Deputy chief of the provincial police Col. Djuned Akhmad told
Antara that none of the remaining 223 inmates fled during the
fire. They have been moved to local police cells.

Dozens of police were called to safeguard the prison and
prevent any of the inmates from attempting a jail break. Some
warning shots were fired.

Witnesses said the fire started at the penitentiary at 5:30
a.m. Central Indonesia Time. There has been no official statement
about the cause of the fire, but police said they were
questioning some wardens and prisoners who were placed in cells
No. 4 and No. 7.

Rescue workers found three inmates clinging to a flag pole in
the middle of the prison yard after the fire had been
extinguished. One of them was overcome with smoke and fell
unconscious. A medical team rushed him to Bhayangkara Police
Hospital.