By John Ikani
At least 41 people were killed and 14 others injured in a fire at a Church in the city of Giza, near Cairo, Egypt’s Coptic Church said – citing the health ministry.
An electrical fire broke out as 5,000 worshippers gathered for Mass at the Coptic Abu Sifin Church, security sources told Reuters.
The fire blocked an entrance, causing a stampede, resulting to many being crushed during a desperate scramble to escape.
Fifteen fire engines were dispatched to the scene to put out the flames while ambulances ferried the casualties to nearby hospitals.
Fire services say the blaze has been brought under control.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi spoke by phone with the Coptic Christian Pope Tawadros II to offer his condolences, the president’s office said.
“I have mobilised all state services to ensure that all measures are taken,” he said on his Facebook page.
Copts are the largest Christian community in the Middle East, making up at least 10 million of Egypt’s 103 million people.
Egypt has suffered several deadly fires in recent years.
In March 2021, at least 20 people died in a blaze in a textile factory in the eastern suburbs of Cairo.
In 2020, two hospital fires killed 14 COVID-19 patients.
