Russian authorities have initiated a manhunt after six convicts escaped from a correctional facility in the western Lipetsk region through a secret underground tunnel.
The prisoners’ disappearance was discovered during a routine inspection by prison guards, who found the concealed tunnel on the premises.
“In general regime penal colony No. 2, an underground tunnel was discovered during a patrol of the premises,” the regional prison service stated. “Immediately a count of convicts got underway, which revealed the absence of six inmates.”
While authorities did not disclose the identities of the escaped prisoners, they confirmed in a statement that the individuals were “from Central Asia.”
In response to the jailbreak, temporary search posts have been established, and local law enforcement agencies have been notified and are actively searching for the fugitives.
“Measures are currently being taken to track down the escaped persons. The perpetrators will be brought to justice,” prison authorities assured.
The incident has raised concerns about security measures and oversight at the correctional facility, as well as the potential risk to public safety posed by the escaped convicts.
Russian law enforcement agencies are known for their extensive resources and capabilities, and it is expected that a significant effort will be made to apprehend the fugitives as quickly as possible.
The manhunt is likely to involve a combination of ground searches, surveillance, and intelligence gathering, with authorities working closely with local communities to gather information and leads.
As the search continues, residents in the Lipetsk region and surrounding areas have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or sightings of the escaped prisoners to the authorities.
