Myanmar police have requested public cooperation in the hunt for the dozens of escapees from Hpa-an Prison, some of whom are thought to be heading for Thailand.
A total of 41 inmates escaped from the prison in the Kayin State capital on Sunday morning by attacking the driver of a garbage truck and driving the truck through the prison gates. The truck was later found stuck in mud in Hlaingbwe Township, 14 miles away from the prison. The escapees are thought to have fled on foot into the jungle and into nearby villages, where they have been trying to blend in.
As of Monday night, 14 of the escapees had been recaptured by police, including Kyaw Main Hla, the leader of the escape plot, who was fatally shot in the process. He had been serving a life sentence without parole for drug trafficking, illegal possession of arms, and the attempted murder of two people, one of whom died.
Police have posted photos of the escapees online and asked local villagers to report any sightings. They have also warned the public that the escapees could be violent, since they are traveling without any food or money.
The original 41 escapees included 29 convicts, several of whom were serving long sentences, as well as 12 inmates who were still on trial.
