Three die in juvenile prison riot

Three people have been killed during a riot in a juvenile prison in the Russian Urals. Two inmates were shot dead when security guards opened fire at a group of prisoners trying to get over a barrier. Also, an officer who was on duty died in hospital from

The riots began late on Tuesday at the correction facility in  Kirovgrad, 100 kilometers north-west of the regional capital Ekaterinburg. After the escape attempt failed almost 300 inmates aged 14 through 18 set several buildings on fire.

Special Forces were called in from neighbouring cities.

Local residents say shooting was heard all night long.

Earlier reports suggested inmates had taken control of the facility’s guardroom where the firearms were kept, but the local Federal Penitentiary Service has not confirmed this.

One of the wardens died of wounds from the fighting. Five other prison workers and seven inmates were badly injured and hospitalised. The Penitentiary Service says this was the most violent riot to occur at this prison.

One of the major reasons behind the uprising is thought to objections by the young prisoners to being moved to adult facilities.

The fire seriously damaged the area, as well as the headquarters of the prison. Teams are now working to clear the debris.

All classes in the prison have been called off. Civilian personnel have been asked to stay at home till further notice.