Three state prison inmates are on the loose Sunday after escaping from a Michigan City prison.

Prison officials say 45-year-old Lance Battreal, 48-year-old Charles Smith, and 46-year-old Mark Booher were discovered missing at 10:00 a.m. central time on Sunday.

It appears they escaped by travelling in tunnels under the prison grounds.

"There should obviously be concern, because the individuals are, in fact, dangerous," said John Schrader, a public information officer for the prison.

Smith and Booher were both serving murder sentences. Battreal was serving time for rape.

The same day the prisoners escaped, thousands of people flocked to the beach in Michigan City for a fireworks show.

For Donna Mitchell, of Michigan City, it’s a tradition she’s enjoyed for most of her life. A tradition tainted by the idea of three convicted felons -- one a rapist, the other two murderers -- running loose.

“Especially on a day like today, when so many people are out, it really makes you nervous," said Mitchell.

"It's very, very scary,” she said. “Very scary, you just have to be careful and watch."

Officials say Lance Battreal and Charles Smith could have cut their hair recently. Smith has a scorpion tattoo on his right hand; on his left hand is a cross with dots.

Authorities are asking anyone with information to call police immediately.