Twenty-five people have died and approximately 100 others were wounded after two groups of inmates clashed inside a prison in Sri Lanka, according to two police sources and a hospital source who spoke with Reuters.
The violence started Sunday between convicted prisoners and detainees being held at the facility, which is located in the coastal town of Negombo — roughly 35 kilometers, or about 20 miles, north of the commercial capital of Colombo. The fighting continued into Monday.
The cause of the confrontation had not been determined as of Monday.
According to police sources, sections of the prison were still being searched and officials were working to get a full accounting of those killed and injured.
Army spokesman Brigadier Waruna Gamage told Reuters that the military had been called upon to assist law enforcement, though troops had not yet been deployed. “Military has been requested to provide support to the police but at the moment they are on standby,” he said.
Footage aired by Derana TV showed a large police presence gathered outside the prison entrance. A police bus was seen departing the facility carrying injured inmates, with some of them lying on the floor of the vehicle.
