John Adoyi, PBA Journalism Mentee
It was a black Sunday in Egypt as fire outbreak in a Coptic Church has left at least 41 worshippers dead and many injured, officials say.
According to security sources that spoke with Reuters, the fire broke out when 5,000 worshippers gathered for mass at the Coptic Abu Sifin Church, causing a stampede and it was the stampede that led to most of the casualties.
According to a statement from the interior ministry, the fire was caused by an electrical spark from a faulty air-conditioner that produced a lot of smoke.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi offered his condolences to the families of the bereaved. Writing on his official Facebook account he said, “I am closely following the developments of the tragic accident, I directed all concerned state agencies and institutions to take all necessary measures, and immediately to deal with this accident and its effects.”
Fifteen fire engines were sent to the scene to put out the flames while ambulances carried the casualties to nearby hospitals.
The Egyptian fire-service told the press that the fire had been brought under control.
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