Emergency in Villena Prison: Flooding, Fire, and Calls for Clear Protocols
During a severe spell of rain last Wednesday, Villena prison faced significant disruptions as water flooded certain areas and a fire broke out in a cell. An inmate started the blaze, was injured, and was hospitalized after staff rescued him unconscious. The incident was reported by the ACAIP-UGT union, which is now urging authorities to adopt a formal emergency protocol that addresses weather-related emergencies and seeks practical solutions to prevent recurrent problems caused by heavy rainfall.
According to ACAIP-UGT, access routes to the Villena facility were blocked, hampering the smooth operation of services. The union described the situation as extremely serious, especially in the event ambulances or emergency services were needed. It noted that later that day an inmate needed to be moved to hospital, yet access had been possible at that moment.
Intentional Fire
The fire occurred around 8:30 p.m. when an inmate set fire to the mattress in his cell in module 14. The alarm was triggered and prison officers responded promptly. ACAIP-UGT reports that the prominent smoke required the services chief to attend the scene and take charge of the situation.
The staff wore flame-resistant gear and prepared hoses and extinguishers. Thanks to their swift intervention, the inmate was rescued alive but unconscious from the fire he had started. He was carried on a stretcher to the infirmary for first aid and then urgently transported to the hospital for further treatment.
Upon the arrival of the ambulance, the inmate was intubated and moved to the hospital to treat smoke inhalation. The union remarked that, at the time of the fire, the access routes had been cleared, allowing the ambulance to reach the center when it would have been impossible earlier.
In addition to access issues, the facility experienced flooding in several areas, forcing staff to take on water-removal tasks as part of their duties and responsibilities.
ACAIP-UGT calls for a thorough assessment of the prison’s entrances to prevent rain from blocking access in the future. They also urge the development of a formal emergency response protocol for weather-related contingencies, with cooperation from relevant institutions and other groups such as firefighters. The union congratulated the staff for their rapid response and professionalism, saying that their actions helped avert a much greater disaster.