Three dead after transfer accident at Edmonton women's prison facility

Two correctional officers and a person in custody died Thursday night during a transfer from Edmonton Institution for Women, Correctional Service Canada said. The federal agency announced the deaths on social media but provided no details about what led to the incident.

One of the people who died was in custody at the facility. The identities and service records of those killed have not been released.

Edmonton Institution for Women, located in west Edmonton, is a minimum-, medium-, and maximum-security facility that opened in the 1990s to serve women offenders. CSC did not respond to requests for more information about the circumstances of the transfer or what caused the deaths.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the families, loved ones, friends and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time," CSC said. "Our colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty served Canadians with professionalism, dedication, and courage."

Police are investigating, and the specific circumstances surrounding the fatal transfer remain unanswered.