7 prisoners die following an arson attack in a Saudi prison

Riyadh: At least seven prisoners died and many others were injured following an arson attack in a Saudi prison.

According to preliminary investigation, fight between prisoners led to an arson attack late on Sunday. "Blankets were set on fire, which resulted in the spreading of fire," Saudi Press Agency reported quoting Major General Ali Bin Hussain Al Harithy, the Director General of Saudi Prisons.

"Fire erupted in Al Hassa Prison in eastern Saudi Arabia on Sunday evening. 16 inmates and three security men nearly suffocated," said Major General Al Harithy. Seven prisoners died on arrival at King Fahd Hospital.