Inmates tunnel out of Venezuela high-security jail

CARACAS, Venezuela, Apr 17 (Reuters) Twenty-four prisoners, some described as ''highly dangerous,'' tunneled their way out of a high-security jail in eastern Venezuela in a midnight escape, authorities said today.

The country's prison service said in a statement that the inmates slipped out of 'La Pica' jail in Monagas state late last night through a 50-meter (164-foot) tunnel that probably took about three months to dig.

Venezuela's national guard and police were combing the surrounding area today for the fugitives.

REUTERS PDS PM0333