An inmate at the Botafuegos Penitentiary Center in Algeciras started a fire in his own cell a few days ago. The incident required the intervention of several prison officers, resulting in four workers being treated at the prison infirmary, three for gas intoxication and one for injuries.
The events occurred in one of the prison's galleries when officers heard loud shouts and went to the area. Upon arrival, they observed that the inmate had set fire to the cell's furniture, generating a large amount of smoke that significantly reduced visibility.
According to the Acaip union's version, the inmate, armed with broken glass, displayed an attitude of "extreme aggressiveness," uttering death threats and insults against the officers attempting to access the cell.
Given the existing risk, the officers donned breathing equipment and entered the cell despite the adverse conditions. They finally managed to subdue the inmate and transfer him to a smoke-free area, preventing more serious consequences for both the inmate and the professionals involved in the operation.
Following the intervention, both the inmate and the officers received immediate medical attention. The Acaip union has congratulated the involved prison employees for their "speed and professionalism," highlighting that their actions prevented more severe personal harm.
The union reported that the inmate is a repeat offender with an extensive criminal and prison record. He entered Botafuegos approximately one month ago and is currently serving a five-month sentence for theft, in addition to having several pending court appearances.
The prison's management has initiated procedures to propose his classification into the first degree of treatment and his transfer to a more suitable establishment. Furthermore, Acaip requests that the events be brought to the attention of the duty court to determine if they could constitute a crime.
