Hostage Crisis Unfolds in Russian Prison, One Staff Member Killed

In Russia's Volgograd region, a group of prisoners seized hostages at a 'harsh regime' penal colony, resulting in the death of at least one prison staff member. Videos suggest Islamic State involvement. Authorities are attempting to free the hostages, amidst reports of multiple casualties.

A hostage situation erupted in a prison in Russia's Volgograd region on Friday, leading to the death of at least one member of the prison staff, according to state media reports.

A video circulating on Russian social media allegedly features two attackers, one claiming to be an Islamic State fighter. The footage shows four uniformed prison officials lying or sitting in pools of blood.

During a session of a disciplinary commission, convicts took prison staff hostage, confirmed the prison service in a statement, adding that measures are underway to free the hostages and that there are casualties.

The prison, located in Surovikino, is a 'harsh regime' penal colony with a capacity of 1,241 male prisoners.