Authorities in northern Mexico have launched a massive manhunt for more than 100 inmates that escaped from a minimum-security prison about 2 miles from the United States border. Federal police, soldiers and 70 members of a special forces military unit are leading the manhunt. U.S. government sources say border patrol officers have been notified of the prison break.
The escape happened Monday at the prison in Piedras Negras, Coahuila state. Authorities say 132 inmates escaped through a 21 foot long underground tunnel. The 4 foot wide, 10 foot deep tunnel started inside the prison wood shop and led to a chain link fence. The fence was cut, allowing the inmates to flee to an empty lot adjacent to the prison. Coahuila Attorney General Homero Ramos Gloria said the tunnel “had been there for months.”
“We have 132 inmates escaping through a tunnel, and it doesn't make sense,” Ramos told a news station.
Ramos said a prison director and two other officials have been detained while the escape is being investigated. As much as $15,000 is being offered for information leading to the capture of each prisoner.
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