Almost 140 inmates at the Nebraska State Penitentiary are being relocated into its gymnasium due to a water leak. Staff are working to move the inmates into a more permanent setting as an investigation into what caused the leak and what needs to be done to repair any damage begins.
The leak was first spotted late on the afternoon of Nov. 9. The leak was large enough to flood a mechanical room in the penitentiary’s lower level, and it also completely covered the floor of the unit housing the 140 inmates. As a result, the correctional facility was placed under modified operations. Inmates are relying on bottled water and portable toilets for the time being, and visits have been canceled until further notice.
Work has begun to restore water and return the prison to normal operation. NDCS officials are working with facility staff to move those affected by the leak.