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5 Dead in Indonesia Riot, Mass Prison Escape


Authorities in western Indonesia are searching for about 100 prisoners who escaped from an overcrowded prison during a riot, in which at least five people were killed.

Police and soldiers recaptured around 50 inmates overnight, included some convicted terrorists.

Prison officials at the Tanjung Gusta prison in the city of Medan said the riot was triggered by a power outage that affected the water supply.

Inmates set fires in the facility and more than 150 prisoners escaped. At least a dozen convicted terrorists were among those who fled. Prison sources also said that several guards are being held hostage, while three prison employees and two inmates have been killed in the violence

Authorities said thousands of police have been deployed around the prison, while firefighters are battling blazes inside.
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