Three inmates killed in incident at Ely maximum-security prison
John Locher / AP
In this July 11, 2018, file photo, a sign marks the entrance to Ely State Prison.
Published Tuesday, July 30, 2024 | 4:19 p.m.
Updated Tuesday, July 30, 2024 | 8:08 p.m.
Three inmates were killed and nine others injured in a severe altercation today at Ely State Prison, according to the Nevada Department of Corrections.
Department officials provided no details about the nature of the incident which led to the deaths and injuries. Ely State Prison is the designated maximum-security prison in Nevada.
Prisons spokeswoman Teri Vance said in an email to the Elko Daily Free Press on Tuesday afternoon the fighting "was not a riot."
The department said it is "working with multiple statewide and local law enforcement agencies" to maintain order.
No officers were injured during the incident, and Ely State Prison is currently on lockdown as a result of the incident, officials said. The deaths are still under investigation, and the names of the deceased have not been released.
The three deaths at Ely bring the total number of Nevada prison deaths to 21 this year.
Tribune News Service and the Elko Daily Free Press contributed to this report.