Flames erupted inside Haiti’s nearly empty national penitentiary in Port-au-Prince on Thursday, adding to the chaos already engulfing the capital city.
Live video of thick black smoke billowing out from the prison was broadcast on national TV.
A spokesperson for the national police confirmed to NBC News there’s a fire at the prison but offered no further comment.
It wasn’t immediately clear who might have started the blaze.
The poverty-stricken Caribbean nation is being rocked by social and political turmoil as unpopular Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced on Monday that he’s stepping down.
Armed gangs have been roaming the streets of Port-au-Prince in recent days with little resistance from authorities.
Earlier this month, nearly all prisoners escaped from the now-burning prison when gunmen stormed the facility.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Reuters and Rima Abdelkader contributed.