RIYADH — A fire erupted in a Riyadh prison early Thursday, killing three inmates and injuring 21 others, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The inmates were evacuated and the injured were rushed to hospital after the fire broke out at dawn in Al-Malaz prison, jail authorities said in a statement carried by SPA.

Firefighting "specialists with the help of Civil Defense were able to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading," the statement said. "As a result (of the fire) three deaths occurred and 21 were injured."

It did not state the cause of the fire, but said an investigation had been launched. — AFP