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| Jail inmates returned after fire |
| By Clarion-Ledger |
| Published: 05/07/2003 |
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Hinds Count, Miss., officials spent Monday getting back in sync after an electrical transformer exploded at the downtown Jackson jail late Saturday afternoon. Electrical service was restored to Hinds County offices late Sunday, and the 160 evacuated prisoners were being returned to the jail from alternate locations Monday. 'If this was a drill or test, we would have passed it,' said Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin to county supervisors at their regular meeting Monday. 'We had cooperation from supervisors, our maintenance department, Jackson Fire and Police departments and from Clinton and Warren County law enforcement.' Officials don't know whether it was electrical wires being blown together by the wind or a lightning strike that caused the transformer to explode. 'We think it was lightning, but we are not sure,' said Hinds County Administrator Eugene McLemore. More than 400 potential jurors did not have to report to Hinds County Circuit Court. Circuit Clerk Barbara Dunn said she had not been assured Sunday there would be power in the Hinds County Courthouse in downtown Jackson by Monday. 'I talked to (Circuit Judge) Tomie Green and we decided it would be best if jurors did not report,' Dunn said. 'There were only two cases to be heard (Monday). 'We needed the extra day to take care of what could happen unforeseen.' Court was held as usual in Hinds County Chancery Court, said deputy clerk Dianne Sanders. McLemore said the county is considering placing the transformer outside the building for safety's sake. It is located in a room on the west end of the jail behind two louvered doors. 'It would be safer if it were placed outside our building and we are looking into that,' McLemore said. McLemore did not have any figures for the cost of the repairs. Donald McGowan, maintenance director for Hinds County, said Entergy paid for the new transformer, but wires had to be run inside the building to the breaker box, which also required new breaker bars. |
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