GROSS OVERCROWDING IN COLUMBUS PRISON

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7200, 24 April 1930, Page 7

GROSS OVERCROWDING IN COLUMBUS PRISON

Only One Convict Escaped “BAD MEN” DISTINGUISH THEMSELVES IN RESCUE TIRE OT INCENDIARY ORIGIN. United Press Association.—By Electri* Telegraph.—Copyright. MONTREAL, April 22. The known dead in tho prison fire now totals 319, and 150 aro so serious* ly burned that many aro expected to die, whilo a hundred others aro suffering from minor hurts. The institution, which is antiquated, and in tho words of the National Society for Penal Reformation, “suffers from’ a condition of overcrowding worse than that of any other prison,” has accommodation for 1500 convicts, and was housing 4300. In ono block a cell containing 835 prisoners was consumed and it was from the upper tiers of the cells in this block that few or none of tho inmates escaped alive. The incendiary origin of the blaze is believed to have been determined, whilo the quick spread of the flames, and tho slowness and fear of the guards to throw open the doors, and the confusion which hampered the fire-fighting apparatus from being utilised, are all held responsible for the large loss of life. It is noted that ono group of prisoners known as “Company K,” consisting of murderers and incorrigibles, distinguished themselves in the rescue work, virtually snatching their fellows from tho flamfes. It was a night of fearful confusion, but only one convict escaped, thousands of police and soldiers from tho city having surrounded the prison. For hours during tho night details of the fire wero broadcast by Tadio, from the prison chapel.