BAGHDAD  - An official says two inmates and one guard have been killed in a prison break in central Iraq.

Justice Ministry spokesman Haider al-Saadi said Saturday that five other people were wounded late Friday when clashes erupted with the inmates at Hillah prison.

Al-Saadi says at least one inmate escaped.

He says four inmates and four guards were under investigation as a result of the jailbreak. He gave no more details.

Hillah is located about 60 miles (95 kilometers) south of Baghdad.

Prison breaks are not uncommon in Iraq, casting doubt on whether Iraqi security forces are ready to protect the nation if US troops leave by the end of the year as planned.