At least 35 people were killed in a fire at a church in the Egyptian city of Giza on Sunday. Another 45 people were injured, news agency writes Reuters based on sources. Authorities fear that many children are among the victims. There would be a daycare center in the church building, locals write media.
According to Egyptian media, the fire broke out in the Abu Sefein Church in the Imbaba district of Imbaba. Emergency services have mobilized en masse to get the blaze under control.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi offered his condolences to the families of the victims for their loss. He writes on Facebook that the families can count on “all the support of the government”.
Reuters reports that at least 5,000 people were present when the fire broke out. A prayer service would have just ended. When the flames were noticed, great panic ensued, resulting in a wild stampede.