Fire roars through prison in Saudi Arabia, 67 inmates killed

[Kellanved]

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) - A fire broke out in a prison in the Saudi capital on Monday, killing 67 inmates, a prison official said.

The official Saudi Press Agency, quoting the head of the Interior Ministry's prison's department, said 20 inmates and three prison guards suffered smoke inhalation.

The fire broke out at al-Haer prison at about midday Monday and was brought under control by fire fighters about three hours later.

A security official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity that initial reports suggested an electrical short-circuit may have started the blaze.

...
http://www.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2003/09/15/193470-ap.html

[spinbaby]

1. Interesting

"Riyadh has two prisons for men and one for women."

They make the point that there are separate prisons for men and women but don't say if it was a men's or a women's prison that burned.

[tlcandie]

2. Is this where the guy who leaked info to US was taken

under secrecy for his prison term? I know it was Saudi Arabia, but where exactly I'm not sure. :shrug:

[blindpig]

3. VERY CONVENIENT!