Halton Regional Police say an inmate is dead and five others have been injured in suspected illegal drug overdoses at the Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton.
Police told Global News emergency crews were called to the prison, located near Martin Street and Highway 401, at around 5:50 p.m. on Tuesday.
A Halton Region Paramedic Services spokesperson said their crews took the six people to a hospital in Milton. One of the inmates was in life-threatening condition and five were in non-life-threatening condition.
Police said one of the six patients died in hospital. They said an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death is underway.
Andrew Morrison, a spokesperson for Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General, told Global News in a statement that prison staff found the inmates in medical distress and performed first aid. He said multiple investigations will now take place.
“The Office of the Chief Coroner conducts a death investigation to determine cause and manner of death. If the coroner’s investigation determines that a death was not a result of natural causes, a mandatory inquest would be called to examine the circumstances,” Morrison wrote.
“The ministry conducts an internal investigation to determine whether all ministry policies and procedures were followed with respect to the care and custody of the deceased. The local police are contacted to determine if the death was a result of any criminal activity.”