Top drug lord escapes jail for second time

Mexico's top drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman has escaped from a maximum security prison for the second time, security officials have announced.

Guzman, who headed the powerful Sinaloa Cartel, was last seen in the area of the showers in the Altiplano prison outside of Mexico City.

The National Security Commission said in a statement that Guzman went to the showers shortly before 9pm and was not seen for a while. Upon checking his cell, authorities found that it was empty.

File photo of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman being escorted by Mexican navy marines.

A search operation began immediately in the surrounding area and highways.

Flights have also been suspended at Toluca airport near the prison.

Guzman has been in prison since February 2014.