The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has reported that 129 people have died in an attempted prison escape.

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo said at least 129 people were killed Sunday night while trying to escape from the Makala central prison in the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, adding that the situation was now under control.

In a statement released on X early Tuesday morning, Interior Minister Shabani Lukoo said the fire also broke out in the prison’s administrative building, its food storage facilities and the hospital. Some 59 people were injured, he added.

“The mass escape attempt from Makala Central Prison resulted in loss of life and significant property damage,” he said in a video statement.

Earlier, a prison official said no inmates had managed to escape, adding that those who tried to escape were killed. The government is investigating the incident.

The escape attempt took place at about 2:00 a.m. (0100 GMT) on Sunday. Prisoners told Reuters they heard heavy gunfire as well as sounds of prisoners outside.