According to the Coptic Orthodox Church, 41 people died in a massive fire that broke out on Sunday at the church of the martyr Abi Sefein, west of the Egyptian capital, during a morning service.
The church’s statement cited sources in the Egyptian Ministry of Health that “so far, 41 people have died and the number of injured has reached 14.”
A statement posted on the interior ministry’s official Facebook page said the fire broke out at 9 a.m. Cairo time.
It states that among the wounded were two officers and three members of the civil protection forces.
In a statement, the ministry said that “an examination of the forensic evidence showed that the fire in the air conditioner (appliance) on the second floor of the church building, which includes a number of classrooms, was the result of an electric shock.” malfunctions, and this resulted in the emission of thick smoke, which was the main cause of injuries and deaths.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi wrote on his official Facebook page: “I am closely following the development of the tragic incident at the Al-Munira church in Giza province and instructed all relevant state bodies and institutions to take all necessary measures.” and immediately deal with this incident and its consequences and provide all aspects of medical care to the victims.”
Al-Sisi called Coptic Pope Tawadros II, according to Egyptian President Bassam Radi’s spokesman, and assured him that “all government agencies will provide the necessary support to contain the consequences of this painful incident.”
