Hundreds of inmates flee after armed gangs storm Haiti’s main prison, leaving bodies behind

PORT-AU-PRINCE (AP) — Hundreds of inmates have fled Haiti’s main prison after armed gangs stormed the facility overnight. At least three people were confirmed dead today.

The jailbreak marked a new low in Haiti’s downward spiral of violence and came as gangs assert greater control in the capital, Port-au-Prince, while embattled Prime Minister Ariel Henry is abroad trying to salvage support for a United Nations-backed security force to stabilize the country.

Three bodies with gunshot wounds lay at the prison entrance, which was wide open, with no guards in sight. Plastic sandals, clothing and electric fans were strewn across normally overcrowded concrete patios.

Authorities had yet to provide an account of what happened. Police inside a police vehicle parked outside would not comment.