Inmates evacuated from North Texas prison due to carbon monoxide, possible gas leak, officials say

A prison in Wise County was evacuated after reports of high levels carbon monoxide levels and a possible gas leak, officials confirmed Wednesday morning. 

Multiple law enforcement agencies, along with fire departments, have responded to investigate.   

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice told CBS News Texas that the initial call came in around 9 a.m. Wednesday, concerning a high level of carbon monoxide. TDCJ said everyone at the facility, including the inmates, was evacuated from inside the building. At this time, there are no reported injuries.

TDCJ said that inmates were being transported to nearby facilities until necessary repairs are made.

CBS News Texas Chopper is over the scene and shows that all the inmates were moved into the yard. 

In a social media post, County Commissioner Colby Shawn said, "At this time, the situation is under control." However, residents are being asked to avoid the area. 

In a post shared to Facebook, the Bridgeport Police Department said the leak, measuring at 500-600 parts per million, was originating from the prison's boiler room. The department said all staff and inmates have been accounted for and are safe.

The Bridgeport Unit first went online in August of 1989, according to the TDCJ's website. It can house up to 520 male inmates who are classified by the department under G1 and G2 custody levels, the lowest ones for prison offenders.