Comayagua prison fire
| Comayagua prison fire | |
|---|---|
| Date(s) | 14–15 February 2012 |
| Location | Comayagua, Honduras |
| Impacts | |
| Deaths | 361 |
| Ignition | |
| Cause | Accidental |
A deadly fire occurred on 14–15 February 2012 at the National Penitentiary in Comayagua, Honduras, killing 361 people. Prisoners trapped in their cells died by burning or suffocation; dozens were burned beyond recognition. The fire started late in the evening of 14 February. According to one prisoner, calls for help went out almost immediately and "for a while, nobody listened. But after a few minutes, which seemed like an eternity, a guard appeared with keys and let us out." Rescue forces did not arrive until about 40 minutes later.
With a death toll of 361, this is the deadliest prison fire ever recorded.