There were some tense moments on Friday at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution after a computer error led to the accidental opening of cell doors on a 16-cell single-person restrictive housing gallery.
The inmates in the cells were ordered to remain inside. But they came out into the gallery and refused to return to their cells. No staff members were on the gallery at the time the doors opened.
One inmate was assaulted by one or more of the others and received serious injuries. Another inmate sustained non-serious injuries, but it's not known how those injuries happened.
Staff members used chemical agents to clear the gallery and return the inmates to their cells. The inmates refused and continued to resist, starting a fire in a cell. The Tecumseh Volunteer Fire Department responded to the fire, which was contained to one cell.
No staff members were injured. One staff member sought medical attention for possible smoke exposure. All inmates on the affected gallery have been accounted for. The remainder of the facility was not involved, but is currently in modified operations.
The facility will return to normal operations as soon as possible. Visits scheduled at noon and 3 p.m. were cancelled. The facility hopes to allow evening visits. Visitors are encouraged to call before driving to the facility.
The Nebraska State Patrol is onsite and will investigate the incident and assault.