Inmate Rampage Nearly Destroys Massachusetts Jail

Inmates at the Bristol County jail went on a rampage Sunday, setting a fire that nearly destroyed the 165-year-old lockup. At least nine people were hurt.

The disturbance began shortly before noon and lasted about two hours before police in riot gear regained control.

Inmates were seen leaning out of broken windows on the building’s third floor, chanting, “We want our rights!” Some threw potatoes, eggs and milk cartons.

Authorities said one inmate and seven law officers were treated for injuries. None was hurt seriously, said Sheriff David Nelson.

The jail was so badly damaged that its 285 prisoners had to be transferred to other facilities, and authorities said they weren’t sure if it could be reopened.

Nelson said the inmates were apparently angry over a search of cells Friday during which guards confiscated homemade knives, flammable materials and makeshift speakers the prisoners had used to communicate with each other from their cells.

He said the fire was started by a group of inmates who set a blaze in a recreation room that spread to the kitchen, medical facilities and school areas.