Comayagua prison fire

Comayagua prison fire
Date(s)14–15 February 2012
LocationComayagua, Honduras
Impacts
Deaths361
Ignition
CauseAccidental

A deadly fire occurred on 14–15 February 2012 at the National Penitentiary in Comayagua, Honduras, killing 361 people.[1] Prisoners trapped in their cells died by burning or suffocation; dozens were burned beyond recognition.[2] The fire started late in the evening of 14 February.[3] According to one prisoner, calls for help went out almost immediately and "for a while, nobody listened. But after a few minutes, which seemed like an eternity, a guard appeared with keys and let us out."[4] Rescue forces did not arrive until about 40 minutes later.[5]

With a death toll of 361, this is the deadliest prison fire ever recorded.[1]

  1. ^ a b Moncada, Jaime A. (1 September 2012). "Lessons of Comayagua". NFPA Journal. National Fire Protection Association. Archived from the original on 8 June 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  2. ^ "Honduras prison fire 'leaves at least 272 dead'". BBC News. BBC. 15 February 2012. Archived from the original on 15 February 2012. Retrieved 15 February 2012.
  3. ^ "Official: 272 Dead in Honduras Prison Fire". Time. 15 February 2012. Archived from the original on 15 February 2012. Retrieved 15 February 2012.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference AP was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Archibold, Randal (15 February 2012). "Death Toll Soars in Prison Fire in Honduras". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 15 February 2012. Retrieved 15 February 2012.