150 inmates at Dendermonde Prison in East Flanders were evacuated to the jail’s exercise yard after a fire broke out inside the prison building on Monday evening. The Prison Service spokeswoman Kathleen Van De Vijver says that the fire probably started while work was being carried a washing machine in the prison laundry.
The fire broke out in the laundry room in which several washing machines and tumble dryers are housed. One of washing machines was being serviced and initial indications are that the fire was caused by a technical issue and not by criminal intent.
150 inimates were taken to the exercise yard and staff were also evacuated. An inmate, whose cell was above the laundry, suffered poisoning caused by smoke inhalation. He was taken to hospital for treatment.
Speaking on Monday evening, Ms Van De Vijver said that the emergency services were at the scene quickly and the fire was soon under control.