𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten (June 25, 2025) – Five inmates have been arrested as suspects in the ongoing investigation into the fire that broke out at Pointe Blanche Prison on May 14, 2025.

The five individuals were questioned on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Philipsburg Police Station in connection with the incident. Following their hearing, the suspects were returned to Pointe Blanche Prison to continue serving their existing sentences while the fire investigation continues.

The fire occurred during a disturbance in the prison, where inmates refused to return to their cells. Emergency services—including the police, fire department, and military support—were deployed to contain the situation. The fire was brought under control the same evening, and no fatalities were reported.

Following the incident, some inmates were relocated temporarily to ensure safety, and assessments of the facility began almost immediately. The Ministry of Justice has since confirmed efforts to repair damages and restore normal operations at the prison.

The investigation is being led by the police under the direction of the Prosecutor’s Office. The authorities continue to assess evidence and conduct interviews to determine who is criminally responsible for the fire.

The Prosecutor’s Office emphasized that the suspects will remain in custody, and no further details will be disclosed at this time to avoid interfering with the investigation.