London, 15 August 2022 (TDI): Minister of State Foreign Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the UK, Lord Tariq Ahmed, offered his condolences to the Egyptian people following the fire at Abu Sefein Church in Imbaba, Cairo.
On behalf of the United Kingdom, I offer my condolences to the Egyptian people, in particular the Christian Coptic Community @BishopAngaelos, following the fire at Abu Sefein church in Imbaba, Cairo. My thoughts and prayers are with those affected.
— Lord (Tariq)Ahmad of Wimbledon (@tariqahmadbt) August 14, 2022
Fire at Abu Sefein Church
On Sunday, a fire broke out at the Abu Sefein Church in a city near Cairo, in Imbaba, killing at least 41 people. Additionally, 14 people faced injuries due to the outbreak of fire during the Sunday service.
At first, the cause of the fire was unknown. However, the Interior Ministry of Egypt in a statement said that a forensic examination showed that the blaze erupted and began in the second-floor air conditing as a result of an electrical malfunction.
The Interior Ministry added that smoke inhalation and suffocation was the main cause of death. Moreover, the Interior Ministry announced that two officials and three civil protection members faced injuries while responding to the fire.
To combat the fire quickly, fifteen firefighters vehicles arrived at the scene to put out flames. Whereas, the ambulance quickly carried the injured to the hospital.
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Additional condolences
The President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi also offered his condolences to Pope Tawadros II. Additionally, the President said, “I have mobilized all state services to ensure that all measures are taken.”
Furthermore, the Cabinet of Egypt in a statement announced that the families of those who died will receive 100,000 Egyptian pounds. Egypt’s chief prosecutor, Hamad el-Sawy said that he had ordered an investigation and a team of prosecutors was dispatched to the Church.
Moreover, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel also offered his condolences to the families of the victims.
Egyptians are in our thougts today after the tragic fire and stampede in the #AbuSifin church in #Giza. Condolences to the families of the victims. Wishing a prompt recovery to the wounded.
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) August 14, 2022
