Nine Texas inmates possibly died due to the historic heat wave, according to a report.

Scorching Heat Wave Claims Lives of Texas Inmates

According to a report, at least nine Texas inmates have tragically lost their lives due to causes possibly linked to a heat wave, according to a report.”>relentless heat wave sweeping across the state. With temperatures soaring to over 115 degrees in certain areas, a heat dome has engulfed Texas, prompting the National Weather Service in Fort Worth to issue an excessive heat advisory for parts of the state.

Unfortunately, prison inmates in facilities without air conditioning are bearing the brunt of this extreme weather. The Texas Tribune has reported that at least nine inmates have succumbed to causes potentially related to the scorching heat, with two of them being in their 30s.

Disputed Claims and Lingering Concerns

However, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice has disputed the assertion that these deaths were heat-related. Spokeswoman Amanda Hernandez emphasized that labeling them as such before completing the investigation would be inaccurate.

Activists, on the other hand, argue that there have been heat-related deaths in Texas prisons since 2012, despite the last registered case being eight years ago.

It is worth noting that more than two-thirds of Texas’s 100 prisons lack air conditioning, resulting in temperatures inside surpassing those outside. Kristie Williams, who recently lost her brother, revealed that his friends informed her that the temperature inside the prison exceeded a staggering 130 degrees when he passed away.

Despite ongoing concerns and mounting tragedies, legislation mandating the installation of air conditioning in prisons has faced obstacles. The latest measure, led by Texas Democrats, failed to pass during the last legislative season.

A Call for Change

State Representative Terry Canales expressed his distress over the situation, stating, “There seems to be an increase in heat-related injuries or things that can be attributed to extreme heat in the summer. Aside from the physical danger, the mental torture… almost makes me emotional to think about.”

As Texas grapples with the devastating consequences of this heat wave, the urgent need for action to protect the well-being of inmates becomes increasingly apparent.

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