At least 41 killed as huge blaze rips through church in Egypt: Many of victims are feared to be children after building with nursery inside erupted in flames during Sunday service attended by 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 worshippers, feared to be mostly children, have been killed after a fire in a church in Egypt where 5,000 people were praying.
Another 45 people are thought to be injured and have been hospitalised in Giza.
The electrical fire broke out as 5,000 worshippers gathered for mass at the Abu Sifin church in the Imbaba neighborhood, causing a stampede, security sources said.
The presence of a nursery inside the church prompted fears most of the dead are children, Reuters reported.
The initial death toll was thought to be 35, with AP reporting the higher number of 41 just before midday.
The Abu Sifin church is pictured in the minutes after the blaze in a widely circulated photo
A photo taken by an eyewitness in the immediate aftermath of the blaze shows severe damage
An exploded generator is thought to have caused the fire, which then prompted a stampede
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.
‘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.
Survivors are gathered outside the site as dozens of ambulances and fire engines swarmed
It’s feared that most of those killed in the huge blaze were children, Reuters reported
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.
The town of Giza, Egypt’s second city, lies in the shadow of the pyramids, pictured last week
A local news agency reported that the parish priest was also killed in the tragic incident.
The Greek government sent out a message of condolences to the fire victims, tweeting after midday: ‘Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in a fire at a church in Giza, Egypt.
‘Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families &wishes for a swift recovery to the injured. At this difficult time, Greece stands in full solidarity with our close friends the people and Government of Egypt.’
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