Two inmates killed and more than 100 injured in Florida jail explosion

Deadly blast at Escambia County prison being investigated

Two prisoners have been killed and more than 100 more injured in a suspected gas explosion at a jail in Florida.

Many casualties are still being treated following the blast at 11pm on Wednesday at Escambia County Central Booking and Detention Facility.

The local government office released a statement confirming two inmates had so far been confirmed dead.

It said: “An apparent explosion at Escambia County Central Booking Facility at 11:00 p.m. this evening resulted in a partial building collapse.

“Between 100 and 150 prisoners and corrections officers have been injured and transported to local hospitals. Two inmates are confirmed dead.”

There were about 600 prisoners inside the complex, in Pensacola, at the time and uninjured inmates are being moved to other facilities nearby.

Vicki Brooks, a spokeswoman for Sacred Heart hospital where some were treated, said they saw 31 patients with mostly neck and back injuries.

Kendrick Doidge said West Florida Hospital treated 37 inmates in the A&E and all have been released back into custody.

The prison was extensively flooded during heavy rains in the area on Tuesday and Wednesday but officials did not know whether it was a factor.

The State Fire Marshall is investigating the cause of the explosion.

Additional reporting by AP