A fire that ripped through a packed Coptic Orthodox church during morning services in Egypt’s capital on Sunday, claimed the life of 41 worshippers, including at least 18 children.
About 5000 people were gathered at the Martyr Abu Sefein church just before 9 a.m. when the fire broke out. The fire blocked an entrance to the church, causing a stampede. Witnesses said persons were falling over each other as they tried to leave the third and fourth floor of the building. Several of the congregants jumped from the upper floors in a bid to escape.
There were many children inside the four-storey building, which had two daycare facilities. Several of them died from smoke inhalation.
The Associated Press reported that 20 bodies, including 10 children, were taken to the Imbaba public hospital. Three were siblings, twins aged 5 and a 3-year-old. The church bishop, Abdul Masih Bakhit, was also among the dead. The other bodies were taken to other hospitals.
“I left the church after Sunday mass and was on my way to work when my mom called me. She thought I was caught in the fire. I turned back and saw (the) church in flames. I just missed it by only a few minute now,” Mariam Malak, 23, told CNN.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi offered his “sincere condolences” to the families of the innocent victims and has since ordered the arm forces to rebuild the church.
