Prisoners evacuated as fire breaks out at KZN jail

Firefighters are battling a blaze at Glencoe Prison in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesman Major Thulani Zwane said the fire is believed to have started in the dining hall two hours ago.

Prisoners were evacuated and held on the grounds by warders.

“We are still waiting for information. At this stage we have not had any reports of any escaped prisoners or deaths‚” he said.

Zwane could not confirm reports that the local fire department had run out of water to extinguish the blaze.

KwaZulu-Natal correctional services spokesman Thulani Mdluli said he was still on his way to Glencoe. “I do not have any information at this stage."