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Deadly 'gas blast' at jail in Pensacola, Florida | Deadly 'gas blast' at jail in Pensacola, Florida |
(about 2 hours later) | |
At least two people have been killed and more than 100 injured in an apparent gas explosion in a Florida jail, local officials say. | |
Part of the jail 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. | About 600 people - inmates and corrections officials - were believed to be in the building at the time. |
Officials are investigating whether recent flooding could have caused the explosion. | |
The blast happened shortly after 23:00 local time on Wednesday (05:00 GMT Thursday). | 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. | "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." | "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. | 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. | A number of roads have been badly damaged. |
Florida Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas. | Florida Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas. |