A civilian was killed and a police major was shot in the head during a prison break on Thursday night in Ismailiya governorate, Al-Ahram Arabic website reported.

According to an informed source in Ismailiya security directorate, six inmates managed to escape from El-Mostakbal central prison when one of the inmates claimed to be ill and the others took the weapon of the prison guard who came to his aid.

The source added that there was an exchange of fire inside the prison between the armed inmates who received help from outside and security forces, leading to the death of a nearby resident who was caught in the crossfire and the injury of five policemen, including a police major who was shot in the head.

One of the six inmates who absconded was arrested on Friday and another was shot and killed by police in Ismailiya.

The injured police major was transferred in critical condition to Maadi military hospital by helicopter. Three low-ranking policemen and a prison guard were injured as well. 

The civilian who was killed was named as Ahmed Abdel-Razek, 35.

The six escapees include four convicted earlier this year of kidnapping a Saudi businessman in April, according to Al-Ahram.

The Ismailiya prosecution is currently investigating the incident.  

El-Mostakbal central prison is a temporary detention for prisoners who are being tried, or retried, in nearby courts; after sentencing they are transferred to prisons across the country.