MoJ Settles Out Of Court Over Prison Fire Chaos
A major blaze at a UK prison in 2015 has finally been settled by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) ahead of a High Court showdown.
Deadly Fire Ravages Prison Wing
On February 18, 2015, prisoner Dino Laximidas deliberately set fire to the Alpha Wing of House Unit 15. Inmates were locked in their cells with no escape as flames tore through the second and third floors. Thick black smoke swallowed the wing, turning it into a deadly trap.
Emergency services scrambled to the scene. Seven fire engines, an aerial ladder platform, and the Incident Command Unit joined forces with eight ambulances. A major incident was declared as chaos erupted inside the prison walls.
15 Prisoners Hurt, CPR Needed Amid Smoke
- 15 prisoners injured
- Four taken to St Mary’s Hospital
- Six treated with oxygen inside the prison
- Two admitted to the prison hospital
- One prisoner needed CPR on the wing landing after suffocating on thick smoke
Meanwhile, 86 prisoners were evacuated to the prison gym for safety.
Legal Fight Over Duty of Care Ends With Settlement
More than 20 prisoners launched legal action blaming the MoJ for failing their duty of care during the fire. The case was set for the High Court but ended with an out-of-court settlement this week.
“We only settle when it is in the best interests of the taxpayers, and any outstanding debts owed to victims must be paid before prisoners receive any compensation,” said a Ministry of Justice spokesman.
