Police Operation at Bolivia's Palmasola Prison After Power Outage

On 5 August 2026 a blackout plunged the Palmasola prison in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, into darkness. Police discovered a rope on the perimeter wall and launched an intensive operation to investigate a possible inmate escape. Authorities have not confirmed any escape or the number of inmates involved.

The response included a helicopter overflight, patrol vehicles, motorcycles and tactical units that cordoned off the facility. The prison, one of the country’s largest, houses roughly 10,000 detainees. Press teams remain on site awaiting an official report.

The incident highlights concerns over security and emergency preparedness in Bolivian penitentiaries.