JOAO PESSOA, Brazil, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- More than 80 prisoners tunneled their way out of one of Brazil's top security prisons and most remained at large Sunday.
Only three of the total 84 escapees had been recaptured, the BBC reported.
The inmates escaped through a tunnel that spanned two buildings and the boundary wall at Silvio Porto prison, officials said. They had even equipped their getaway route with lights.
The prison houses about 700 inmates, the BBC said.
Officials said it was the largest prison break in Paraiba state history. However, they said, it could have been much worse.
More than 40 other prisoners also could have fled through the tunnel, but opted to remain in their cells.
A prison official told the BBC there had been signs of restlessness among the inmates recently, but their cells had not been searched.
A recent breakout attempt at a Sao Paulo prison was foiled by guards.
