Iran Press/ West Asia: Police said the fire started in several cells on the second floor in the main prison in the eastern city of Zahle after an apparent escape attempt. It said 19 prisoners suffered from smoke inhalation and were taken to hospital where three died later.
The police statement said guards had discovered a hole that was being dug in a wall, angering the inmates who then set their rooms on fire.
Reinforcements were sent to the area of the prison to boost security and make sure no one escaped, local media reported.
Following the discovery prisoners attempted to take several security staff hostage before setting fire to mattresses and blankets in their cells. A security source said the prisoners only released the staff when the fire got out of control, quickly spreading to the upper floors of the prison building.
Zahle prison holds 620 inmates and is one of the largest prisons in Lebanon. 219
