Inmates evacuate from State Farm Correctional Center housing unit after ‘loud bang,’ heard from AC system, reports of smoke

POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Inmates were evacuated from a housing unit at State Farm Correctional Center following a report of a "loud bang" from the unit's air conditioning system and reports of smoke.

At 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6, corrections staff at State Farm Correctional Center responded to a housing unit following a "loud bang" heard from the unit's heating and air conditioning system.

According to the Virginia Department of Corrections, staff reported seeing smoke and smelling propane. A spokesperson with the department confirmed that there was no fire.

Power and propane were subsequently shut off "out of an abundance of caution" and all employees and inmates were evacuated from the unit until maintenance staff made repairs.

Repairs were reportedly completed, and the department said the heating and air conditioning in the unit is now working properly. Inmates reportedly returned to their unit.