At least 41 people are killed and 45 injured in Egypt church fire
At least 41 people are killed and 45 injured in fire inside church in Egypt that was full of 5,000 worshippers
- Thousands had gathered inside Abu Sifin church in Giza, Egypt this morning
- Death toll climbing as 30 ambulances rush to Coptic Christian place of worship
- Pres. El-Sisi: ‘I have directed agencies to take necessary measures immediately’
- There is a nursery inside church, prompting fears many casualties are children
At least 41 people were killed and 45 injured in a fire inside a church in the Egyptian city of Giza on Sunday, police said.
The electrical fire broke out as 5000 worshippers gathered for mass at the Abu Sifin church in the Imbaba neighborhood, causing a stampede, security sources told Reuters.
The initial death toll was thought to be 35, with AP reporting the higher number of 41 just before midday.
Egyptian president El-Sisi wrote on Facebook this morning: ‘I have directed all relevant state agencies and institutions to take all necessary measures, immediately, to deal with this incident and its effects and to provide all aspect of healthcare to the injured.
The town of Giza in the shadow of the pyramids is pictured last week
‘My sincere condolences to the families of the innocent victims who moved to their Lord’s neighbor in a house from his homes where he is worshipped.’
There is a nursery inside the church, prompting fears many of the dead may be children.
An exploded generator is thought to have caused the fire, which then prompted a stampede.
Police said an initial investigation blamed an electrical short-circuit.
The statement said the fire broke out while congregation was underway Sunday morning.
A local news agency reported that the parish priest was also killed in the tragic incident.
Coptic Christians make up about ten per cent of Egypt’s primarily Muslim population.
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