In a surprising twist, a prisoner managed to break out of Lyon-Corbas prison in south-eastern France by concealing himself in the luggage of a fellow inmate being released on Friday. Local media sources, including BFMTV, have reported on the incident which has sparked an immediate inquiry by the prison service.
The man reportedly took advantage of his counterpart’s release to discreetly stow away in the belongings as they left the facility. The French prison service, in a statement to AFP news agency, confirmed the escape and noted that the fugitive was serving multiple sentences alongside ongoing investigations involving organized crime.
In light of this audacious jailbreak, authorities have initiated a judicial investigation into possible connections to an "organized gang and criminal conspiracy." This incident also highlights ongoing concerns within French prisons, particularly after the Lyon Bar Association raised alarms regarding the severe overcrowding at Lyon-Corbas. As of May 1, 2025, the facility housed approximately 1,200 detainees, far exceeding its capacity of 678.
The ongoing issues of safety and overcrowding in French jails continue to be hotly debated as the country witnesses rising concerns over prison conditions and the influence of violent drug gangs.
