A prisoner at Villena under suicide prevention protocol suffered severe burns after falling asleep with a lit cigarette in an infirmary cell. Reports from penitentiary authorities indicate that PPS, who has a psychiatric history, sustained second-degree burns when his clothing ignited as the cigarette burned down. Initial statements suggested the inmate’s life was not in immediate danger, but subsequent information from prison sources confirms the seriousness of the injuries.
The extent of the damage was described as burns covering about 20% of the body, necessitating transfer to a burn unit in Valencia after initial treatment in Elda. The incident occurred last Tuesday in a hospital infirmary cell within the Villena prison complex. On the preceding day, the inmate had attempted self-harm by lunging at a door in an apparent bid to injure himself, before the situation escalated.
Following the incident, the inmate was moved to the infirmary and placed under the prison’s suicide prevention protocol the next day. He remained under observation in a cell while the blaze began from a lit cigarette, the mattress in the cell being noted as non-combustible. Prison staff reported that a public health crisis extended to the medical response, with no doctors on site at the prison during Monday afternoon and telemedicine services unavailable at that time. A doctor’s orders were finally issued on Tuesday, directing further medical assessment for the PPS patient.
Prison officials have highlighted ongoing concerns about access to medical care within the facility, acknowledging gaps in on-site clinical staffing and the reliance on off-site medical consultation. The case has prompted a review of safety measures within infirmary areas and the protocols governing suicide prevention, including the management of inmates with psychiatric histories who may face heightened risk. While authorities continue to document and investigate the full sequence of events, the focus remains on ensuring emergency responsiveness and appropriate medical care for inmates, particularly those under heightened mental health monitoring.
In the broader context, the incident underscores the need for robust medical support in correctional institutions, especially in facilities housing vulnerable individuals. It also highlights the importance of continuous risk assessment, rapid access to clinical care, and the implementation of preventive measures to mitigate similar events in the future.