La Victoria Penitentiary incident claims 11 lives

Santo Domingo.- The Attorney General’s Office confirmed on Tuesday that at least 11 inmates lost their lives in the tragic incident that occurred at the La Victoria National Penitentiary last Monday, believed to have been caused by a short circuit.

Expressing condolences, Attorney General Miriam Germán Brito stated, “We deeply regret this situation and extend our sympathies to those affected by the accident and the anguish experienced by their families.” Her remarks were conveyed through a press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office.

Germán Brito emphasized that relevant authorities are actively engaged in ongoing operations within the affected area, awaiting the final report from investigative agencies.

Acknowledging the collaborative efforts, Germán expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Defense and the Air Force for providing helicopters to combat the blaze, as well as to the fire departments across various municipalities, Civil Defense, and the Dominican Navy, Army, National Police, and the National 911 Emergency System.

The magistrate also disclosed that the General Directorate of Immigration facilitated the transportation of approximately 400 inmates, with 300 relocated to the El Pinito Correction and Rehabilitation Center in La Vega, and 100 to the Vista al Valle penitentiary center in San Francisco de Macorís.

Germán Brito assured that thorough searches are being conducted in the affected areas of the prison to ensure the absence of any additional victims.