At least 41 people were killed and dozens injured in a fire at a church in Cairo on Sunday, Egypt’s Coptic Church said.
The health ministry said 30 ambulances were sent to the scene after the fire at the Abu Seifein Church in the West Mounira district of Giza, with at least 55 people taken to hospital.
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi issued a message of condolence to the families of the victims.
“I am closely following the developments of the tragic accident in Al Munira Church in Giza, and I have directed all concerned state agencies and institutions to take all necessary measures and immediately deal with this incident and to provide all aspects of health care to the injured.
“I offer my condolences to the families of all the innocent victims who met their God near one of his houses of worship,” Mr. El Sisi said.
Witnesses told Al Masry Al Youm newspaper that an electrical short circuit in an air-conditioning unit on the top floor of the church most likely caused the fire. The church’s congregation was gathered in the chapel on the same floor.
Neighbors reported hearing the screams of the worshippers as they attempted to escape. As the fire spread, several people jumped from the building to escape, they told the newspaper.
Though the area’s residents attempted to help the worshippers escape, the fire had grown too large, they said.
