16 PNG prisoners escape in deadly mass breakout, one dead
Xinhua
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SYDNEY, Jan 20 (Xinhua) -- A prison guard and one prisoner have both been killed during a mass breakout at Buimo Jail, in the Papua New Guinea city of Lae.

According to the Post Courier Newspaper, the prisoner who was serving a 35-year jail sentence for murder was shot dead during the incident which took place on Sunday, however details about how the correctional services (CS) officer died still remain unclear.

"The first 32 prisoners [of the day] were sent out to see their families with 15 returning back to the compound, while the other 17 dashed for freedom jumping over the fence and fleeing through the CS officers' residential area heading towards Miles suburbs," Acting Lae Metropolitan Police Commander Superintendent Chris Kunyanban explained on Monday.

While guards at the facility gave chase to the men, they were unable to detain them.

"The prisoners ran into the bush, removed their prison uniforms and fled."

Although the police were also alerted and on the lookout for the criminals, they were unsuccessful in locating the fugitives.

"I'm calling on city residents to take precautions when moving around," Kunyanban said.

"These escapees are convicted for rape, murder and armed robbery and are a real threat to the community."

"If you have any information on the whereabouts of the escapees please do not hesitate to report it to the police."

An investigation into the death of the prison guard is now underway, while 16 convicted criminals remain at large.

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(Photo: VCG)