inmates evacuated from matsqui institution in abbotsford due to burst water pipe
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file photo of the matsqui complex in abbotsford, where matsqui institution had to evacuate inmates after a burst water pipe caused flooding and damage.
richard lam
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burst pipes have led to the relocation of more than 200 inmates at matsqui institution in b.c.’s eastern fraser valley.
the correctional service of canada said the medium-security prison had “significant flooding and damage caused by a burst water pipe” at the facility on saturday, leaving 218 inmates without proper accommodation in the affected areas.
they have been transferred either to other parts of the prison or to other prisons in the area, said the agency in a notice released on monday.
“the safety and security of the public, staff and inmates remain csc’s highest priorities,” said the statement, which said urgent repairs are underway.
inmates will return once the flooded areas are repaired.
visits to matsqui are suspended until further notice; the agency said it will update the public when they can resume.
matsqui institution in abbotsford has a capacity of 446 inmates, about half of whom were evacuated because of the burst pipe.
“this incident is not, in any way, linked to the current wildfire situation in british columbia,” said the csc. it said there are protocols in place if an evacuation is needed because of a range of emergency situations.
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