Pepper Spray Training Mishap at Andorra Prison Affects Staff and Inmate

A training exercise for new members of the prison intervention unit at Andorra's La Comella penitentiary centre turned into a minor incident about three weeks ago when pepper spray spread through the facility's air ducts, affecting staff and at least one inmate.

The session, held in the underground levels—specifically floors -4 and -5 near the boilers—resulted in the irritant entering the building's technical gallery and ventilation system, according to sources inside the prison including inmates and staff. This caused respiratory discomfort for several officials and prompted complaints from an inmate with pre-existing breathing issues.

An ambulance was called to the site to assess the inmate, who reported severe difficulties. Medical personnel examined him on location and found no need for hospital transfer. No serious injuries were reported.

Official government sources described the exercise differently, claiming it took place outdoors on a nearby street, with wind carrying the spray into the centre. However, internal accounts dismiss this version, insisting the training occurred entirely within the subterranean areas and lacked credibility for an external origin, as the pepper spray could not have entered otherwise.

Participants rated the session as poorly executed, and while the incident resolved quickly, it lingered as a source of irritation. "Just another one," staff reportedly remarked, reflecting ongoing low-level discontent at the facility. Authorities have provided no further details on the matter.