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Deadly 'gas blast' at jail in Pensacola, Florida

May 1st, 2014 | Tags: gas blast jail Pensacola Florida
At least two people have been killed and more than 100 injured in an apparent gas explosion in a Florida prison, local officials say. Image: BBC
BBC

At least two people have been killed and more than 100 injured in an apparent gas explosion in a Florida prison, local officials say.

Part of the prison in Pensacola collapsed after the blast late on Wednesday, forcing an evacuation.

About 600 people - inmates and corrections officials - were believed to be in the building at the time.

Officials are now investigating whether a recent flooding could have caused the explosion.

A damaged road in Pensacola, Florida. Photo: 30 April 2014Heavy flooding has damaged a number of roads in Florida

The blast happened shortly after 23:00 local time on Wednesday (05:00 GMT Thursday).

"There was an apparent gas explosion in the central booking area of the Escambia County jail," local spokeswoman Kathleen Dough-Castro said.

"We had approximately 600 prisoners in the facility at the time. Injured prisoners are being transported under guard to area hospitals. Uninjured prisoners are being transported to other detention facilities."

Parts of Florida - including Escambia County - have been recently hit by heavy flooding caused by a storm system in the region.

A number of roads have been badly damaged.

Florida Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas.

 
 

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