Families of inmates demand answers to jail blast

VIDEO - Frustration is growing outside the Escambia County Central Booking and Detention Center in Pensacola, Florida following an overnight explosion that left two inmates dead and more than 150 others wounded...

TheGrio Staff

May 2, 2014

Frustration is growing outside the Escambia County Central Booking and Detention Center in Pensacola, Florida, following an overnight explosion that left two inmates dead and more than 150 others wounded.

A suspected gas leak triggered the massive explosion late Wednesday night.

The blast ripped apart the jail, blowing out walls and sending debris flying.

Those injured were taken to nearby hospitals, and those inmates not hurt were sent to other prison facilities, all leading to family members’ confusion over the whereabouts of loved ones.

“My son has not been accounted for,” an angry Sheila Travis told reporters near the remnants of the jail. “How do you think family members are feeling, that their kids have not been accounted for?”

Officials say they are working hard to account for all the inmates.

“We’re working with the jail officials to get a specific headcount,” said Sheriff David Morgan. “Our concern here is notifications to next of kin as quickly as possible.”

Earlier on Wednesday, the detention center suffered severe flooding leading up to the explosion, and city council members were told a gas leak in a laundry room is possibly the cause.

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