An inmate and a staff member have been taken to hospital after a fire broke out at a maximum-security prison in Lara, Geelong, on Wednesday evening.
Fire Incident at Lara Prison
Emergency services were called to the prison, located in the Geelong suburb of Lara, around 6:30 pm on Wednesday. Fire crews from multiple stations attended the scene and managed to bring the blaze under control.
The fire is believed to have started in a cell block, with smoke spreading to other areas of the facility. The inmate and staff member were assessed by paramedics at the scene before being transported to hospital for further treatment. Their conditions are not yet known.
Response and Investigation
Victoria Police and the prison's management are investigating the cause of the fire. The prison was placed into lockdown following the incident, with no further threat to other inmates or staff reported.
A spokesperson for Corrections Victoria said: "We are cooperating with emergency services and conducting a thorough investigation. The safety of prisoners and staff is our top priority."
The facility, which houses high-risk inmates, has experienced previous incidents, but this is the first major fire in recent years. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided as they become available.
