An ill-fated escape attempt from a Brazilian prison in 2012 turns into an embarrassing and ironic ordeal for one inmate.
In 2012, a bizarre and almost comical scene unfolded in a Brazilian prison when an inmate’s escape attempt ended in total failure—and humiliation. The prisoner, whose identity was not officially released by the authorities, had spent a considerable amount of time digging a hole through the prison wall, meticulously carving out what he hoped would be his passage to freedom.
However, the plan fell apart at the most critical moment. When the man finally attempted to squeeze through the hole he had labored so long to make, he discovered—too late—that he had grossly miscalculated its size. His body became hopelessly wedged halfway through the opening, unable to go forward or back.
According to reports from local media, the prisoner panicked as he found himself stuck, legs flailing on one side of the wall and his torso on the other. As his desperate grunts and calls for help drew the attention of guards, what was meant to be a stealthy getaway turned into a public spectacle.
Guards at the facility initially attempted to help the man by pushing and pulling him through the hole, but their efforts were in vain. His shoulders and midsection had jammed tightly into the narrow escape route. With no other viable option, prison officials eventually had to dismantle a portion of the wall around him just to set him free—ironically returning him right back to the confines of his cell, safe and very much sound.
Photos of the incident made rounds in the media and online shortly afterward, showing the inmate’s lower body hanging out from the wall in an almost cartoon-like fashion. The event sparked a mix of reactions—amusement, disbelief, and even sympathy—as it highlighted both the desperate measures some inmates are willing to take and the unforeseen pitfalls of poor planning.
The case also sparked conversations about prison conditions in Brazil and how overcrowding and long sentences may drive inmates to attempt such risky breakouts. However, in this case, the escape attempt did little more than damage prison property, bruise the escapee’s pride, and give guards a story they likely won’t forget.
No serious injuries were reported, but the man’s ego likely took the hardest hit. In a country with no shortage of dramatic prison break stories, this one stood out for its sheer absurdity—and the image of a stuck prisoner calling for help from the very people he was trying to flee.
Moral of the Story:
If you’re planning an escape, measure twice—and maybe eat less.
