Papua New Guinea's Corrections Service Commissioner has blamed negligence of prison guards for the escape of 79 inmates at Buimo jail in Lae, in the past fortnight.
68 prisoners escaped from the facility two weeks ago and then last Friday, 11 juveniles bolted, including seven who were in custody while awaiting court cases.
The newspaper, The National, has reported that Michael Waipo is promising to get to the bottom of the mass escape.
Reception area at Buimo Jail Photo: Human Rights Watch
Mr Waipo says the prisoners did not break out, but rather somebody on duty made a mistake when they changed shifts and the lock to the cell was not secured.
He described it as plain stupidity and total negligence, adding that those responsible for the escape will face the full force of the law.
Nine of the 68 who escaped two weeks ago have been re-captured.
Two of them were shot dead during the search by prison and police officers.
Police continue to investigate the escape.
