A prisoner had died this morning while attempting to escape the old Bogambara prison, Prison Department sources said.

The deceased has been identified as Abdul Rahim, 30, a resident of Anuradhapura.

The inmate is said to have died after being admitted to hospital with injuries sustained after falling from a wall during the escape. Another inmate who was seriously injured after falling from a wall is being treated at the Kandy Hospital.

A few other suspects have fled to the police quarters and operations are underway to arrest them.

The inmates were held in prison for possession of narcotics, a department spokesman said.