Three inmates dead, six injured in Panama prison escape attempt

An escape attempt at Panama's La Joyita prison resulted in the deaths of at least three inmates and injuries to six others, along with three police officers wounded. The incident involved 195 prisoners, with 69 still at large after a significant number were recaptured.

Panamanian authorities, including the Minister of Government Dinoska Montalvo and National Police Director Jaime Fernández, confirmed the grim toll. While 126 inmates have been recaptured, the police chief acknowledged the ongoing challenge of locating the remaining 69 fugitives, who have been identified.

One officer was reportedly held hostage during the revolt. The exact cause of the escalation remains under investigation, as does the accountability of the security staff on duty. The escape followed the transfer of "high-profile" inmates from La Joyita to a prison in Chiriquí province, though a direct link to the incident was not specified.

La Joyita, a maximum and medium-security facility, is known for severe overcrowding. In 2025, it housed 4,702 inmates against a capacity of 2,837. The national prison system faces a 35% overpopulation rate, with over 24,000 inmates across the country.

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the challenge of locating the remaining 69 fugitives, who have been identified.