'We could've lost several lives': Inmate killed, seven hospitalized during Manitoba prison riot

An inmate has died and seven others were hospitalized following a riot at a Manitoba prison Monday night, an incident the union representing correctional officers said could have escalated into a much more serious situation.

An inmate has died and seven others were hospitalized following a riot at a Manitoba prison Monday night, an incident the union representing correctional officers said could have escalated into a much more serious situation.

RCMP confirmed on Tuesday that an inmate from Winnipeg, a 33-year-old man, had died following a “large fight” at Stony Mountain Institution involving multiple inmates.

RCMP said some of the inmates were armed with edged weapons during the fight. Seven were injured and taken to hospital.

STARS Air Ambulance, RCMP officers and other ambulances responded to the prison just after 6:30 p.m., with STARS confirming one person was airlifted to a Winnipeg hospital in serious condition.

The investigation into the incident continues.

James Bloomfield, Union of Canadian Correctional Officers regional president, in an email called the incident a "deadly riot." He said it took place during recreation time in the exercise yard.

“There was a full staff response last night that was there,” Bloomfield said. “We did call in an emergency response team, but we got the situation under control fairly quickly.”