Prisoner riot sparks lockdowns at Saskatchewan Federal Penitentiary

Maximum and medium security units at the Saskatchewan Federal Penitentiary in Prince Albert were placed in lockdown Wednesday afternoon.

The medium security unit was put on lockdown at approximately 1 p.m. CST following a "major disturbance."

The maximum security unit was subsequently locked down at 3:30 p.m. as a precautionary measure.

Aworker within the penitentiary told CBC a riot allegedly took place. "Many inmates" were involved but no official numberhas been released.

Visits have been suspended.

The penitentiary unitsarestill under lockdown as of Wednesday evening.