Five people hospitalised in suspected Yatala Labour Prison riot
A fire lit in a prison cell at Yatala Labour Prison has sparked a major emergency response involving SA Police’s Star Group, SA Ambulance and the Metropolitan Fire Service.
Police & Courts
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A fire lit in a prison cell at Yatala Labour Prison holding two prisoners has sparked a major emergency response involving SA Police’s Star Group, SA Ambulance and the Metropolitan Fire Service.
A statement by Department of Corrections said a “cell fire was lit in one cell accommodating two prisoners’’.
It is believed a foam mattress was set alight by prisoners.
“The fire was extinguished and to date there has been no reports of injuries to staff or prisoners,’’ a DCS spokesperson said. “Two prisoners were taken to hospital as a precaution for smoke inhalation’’.
However, that statement was at odds with SA Ambulance, who confirmed five people had been take to three hospitals. Another update from a government source said four people, two prisoners and two guards, had been taken to hospital.
It said two patients were transported to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, two to Modbury Hospital and one to Lyell McEwin Hospital.
It is believed as many as six prison guards received treatment for smoke inhalation, with some being taken to hospital.
It is understood there was a disturbance among the prison population after the division where the fire started was evacuated, prompting the Star group response.
A heavy police and ambulance presence including tactical support was seen outside the Northfield prison after emergency services were called to a structure fire at around 3pm.
Public Service Association general secretary Natasha Brown said she was “very concerned for our members who have been hurt today and wish them a speedy recovery”.
Ms Brown also called for a review of staffing levels in prisons.
“We have been calling for some time for adequate staffing in all prisons. We have been calling for a review of staffing levels to ensure that when incidents like this occur there are adequate resources available to deal with them quickly,’’ she said.
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