A raging fire which engulfed a prison that houses high-profile politicians in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa has claimed the lives of no less than 23 people according to a government statement.

Reports say the Addis Ababa’s high security Qilinto prison, where many opposition figures and journalists are held went up in flames adding to a wave of protests currently rocking the country.

21 inmates died during a stampede and suffocation according to Fana Broadcasting Corporate citing a government statement while two others died while trying to escape the prison.