LYON — A prisoner at Lyon-Corbas jail in southeastern France escaped on Friday by hiding inside the luggage of a fellow inmate who was being released, French authorities confirmed.

The man concealed himself in the bag of the departing prisoner and exited the prison undetected, officials told local media.

An internal investigation has been launched by the prison service, which confirmed the escape to AFP, stating that the inmate “took advantage of the liberation of his fellow inmate to hide himself in his luggage and get out.”

French media reported that the escapee had been serving multiple sentences and was also under investigation in a case linked to organized crime.

Local prosecutors have now opened a judicial investigation into “escape as part of an organized gang and criminal conspiracy.”

The incident has drawn renewed attention to longstanding issues at the Lyon-Corbas facility. As of May 1, 2025, the prison was holding around 1,200 inmates — nearly double its official capacity of 678, according to BFMTV.

The Lyon Bar Association had already raised concerns last month over overcrowding and understaffing.

The breakout comes just weeks after France was shaken by a deadly ambush on a prison van in Normandy that killed two guards. That attack triggered a nationwide review of prison security protocols.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any staff members are suspected of involvement or negligence in Friday’s escape. The search for the escaped prisoner remains ongoing. — Agencies