**Prison Officer Hospitalized After Fire Set by Inmates at Central Prison**
On Sunday night, a significant incident occurred at the Central Prison in Cyprus, where three inmates allegedly ignited a fire in their cells and a corridor within a maximum security wing. The fire, which broke out around 10:15 PM in wing four, prompted the immediate evacuation of all ten prisoners housed in that unit and resulted in a prison officer being hospitalized due to smoke inhalation.
Prison staff acted swiftly to remove all inmates from the affected area before the fire service arrived on the scene to extinguish the blaze. Initial reports indicate that the fire caused damage to mattresses and extensive smoke damage throughout the wing. Fortunately, no prisoners were injured during the incident; however, a prison officer was taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure after experiencing smoke inhalation.
In response to the fire, the inmates from wing four were temporarily relocated to another section of the prison while investigations into the incident are underway. Authorities have confirmed that the fire was deliberately set by the three inmates, who are currently being held in the maximum security unit designed specifically for individuals with mental health needs.
Wing four is equipped with specially configured cells that do not contain electrical appliances, and inmates share access to a single television in a communal area before their cells are locked for the night. The walls of the wing are lined with protective padding to minimize the risk of self-harm among inmates. This unit has a history of being used as a punishment block for prisoners serving disciplinary isolation, and it was previously the site of a tragic incident in December of last year, when a 35-year-old Egyptian inmate was fatally assaulted. A 30-year-old Greek Cypriot prisoner was arrested in connection with that incident.
The recent fire has reignited discussions regarding the operational management of wing four, particularly concerning the placement of inmates with varying needs within the same confined space. Concerns have been raised about the potential risks associated with housing inmates who may require different levels of care and supervision in a shared environment.
As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire continues, prison authorities are expected to review safety protocols and the overall management of the maximum security wing. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by correctional facilities in maintaining safety and security for both inmates and staff.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available regarding the investigation and the condition of the hospitalized prison officer.