Close This website uses modern features that are not supported by your browser. Click here for more information.
Please upgrade to a modern browser to view this website properly. Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Opera Safari
your legal news hub
Sub Menu
Search

Search

Filter
Filter
Filter
A A A

More than 40 killed in church fire

Publish date: 15 August 2022
Issue Number: 990
Diary: IBA Legalbrief Africa
Category: Egypt

A fire sparked by an electrical fault at a packed church in a working-class district of Greater Cairo has killed at least 41 people and injured another 45, Egyptian officials have said. The Guardian reports that about 5 000 people had gathered at the Coptic Abu Sifin church in Imbaba, Giza, for Sunday morning services, when a fire broke out just before 9am local time. Flames and smoke blocked an entrance to the church, causing a crowd crush, security sources told Reuters, adding that most of those killed were children. Some people jumped from higher floors in an attempt to escape, witnesses said. The church reportedly included a nursery for children. Fifteen firefighting vehicles had managed to put out the blaze in the narrow street by Sunday afternoon, while footage from the scene circulated online showed damage to the church, including burnt wooden furniture. The Interior Ministry, which oversees Egypt’s police and firefighters, said an initial report found that the fire broke out on the second floor in an air conditioner, which then short-circuited, producing huge amounts of smoke. Smoke inhalation was the main cause of death, it said. Sunday’s blaze was one of the worst fire tragedies in recent years in Egypt, where safety standards and fire regulations are poorly enforced. In March last year, a fire at a garment factory near Cairo killed at least 20 people and injured 24 more.

Full Premium Times report

We use cookies to give you a personalised experience that suits your online behaviour on our websites. Otherwise, you may click here to learn more, or learn how to block or disable cookies. Disabling cookies might cause you to experience difficulties on our website as some functionality relies on cookie information. You can change your mind at any time by visiting “Cookie Preferences”. Any personal data about you will be used as described in our Privacy Policy.