Death toll in Sri Lanka’s prison clash rises to 26, with another 77 in hospital

A prison clash in Negombo, Sri Lanka, has resulted in 26 deaths, including seven prison officials and 19 inmates, with an additional 77 individuals hospitalized. The unrest began Sunday between inmates and escalated Monday when inmates attacked guards who intervened. Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara stated that three investigations are underway to determine the cause, including potential security lapses or prison congestion, and to prevent future incidents. The initial clash reportedly stemmed from rival gangs involved in the illegal drug trade. Sri Lankan prisons are severely overcrowded, holding over 39,000 inmates in facilities with a capacity for 10,000.

Sri Lanka has launched an investigation into a deadly prison riot that occurred on Monday at Negombo prison. The clashes, involving rival drug gangs, resulted in 27 deaths and over 100 injuries. Authorities have deployed armed police and commandos to secure the prison's perimeter. Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara informed parliament that both a criminal investigation and a government-appointed commission are underway to examine the incident.

A deadly prison riot at Negombo Prison in Sri Lanka has resulted in 26 deaths, including seven guards, and over 100 injuries. The violence erupted overnight between prisoners from two drug gangs, with victims sustaining cuts and gunshot wounds. The Justice minister expressed shock and announced an investigation into the incident, which occurred in a prison holding several thousand detainees. The riot highlights the severe overcrowding in Sri Lankan prisons, which are operating at approximately four times their capacity. Authorities are working to separate the rival gangs to prevent further conflict.

Two days of severe prison riots at Negombo Prison in western Sri Lanka have resulted in at least 25 deaths, including four guards, and over 100 injuries. The violence, which began with clashes between inmate groups on Sunday, escalated when prisoners reportedly seized firearms and later attempted to breach prison gates on Monday. The unrest is believed to have been triggered by an inmate informing on a drug trafficking operation. During the riots, some prisoners climbed onto rooftops demanding release, and part of the prison roof collapsed, injuring some women. Security forces were deployed, and gunshots were heard. Relatives of inmates gathered outside, expressing distress over the lack of information.

A violent prison riot in Sri Lanka has resulted in the deaths of at least 23 individuals, including four guards, and left over 100 people injured. The clashes, described as the worst in over five years, occurred overnight between inmates from two drug gangs. The wounded were transported to Negombo hospital, north of the capital Colombo. Hospital director Pushpa Gamlath confirmed that 23 bodies were brought to her facility, with more than 100 wounded inmates and guards also admitted.

Deadly clashes erupted at a prison in Negombo, Sri Lanka, approximately 35 kilometers north of the capital Colombo, beginning on Sunday and continuing into Monday. Local media reports indicate that 25 people have been killed and over 100 injured, with victims including both inmates and prison officials. A police spokesman confirmed the clashes and fatalities but provided no further details. The cause of the unrest remains unknown. An official at the local state-run hospital stated that more than 100 individuals were admitted with injuries from the incident. Sri Lankan prisons are known to be severely overcrowded.

Violence erupted at Negombo prison in Sri Lanka on Sunday and continued into Monday, resulting in at least 20 deaths and over 100 injuries. A hospital source indicated that 16 inmates and four prison guards were killed, while the director of Negombo hospital reported receiving 23 bodies and admitting more than 100 wounded inmates and guards. Police confirmed the clashes and fatalities but did not provide further details. The cause of the violence remains unclear. Footage showed a significant police presence outside the prison as injured inmates were transported away.