Deadly church fire prompts wide-scale safety inspections in Egypt
After a blaze in a Giza church killed dozens, the Egyptian government says it will systematically review the safety conditions of churches across the country.
CAIRO — The deadly fire that broke out during Sunday Mass at Abu Sifein Church in Egypt’s Giza Aug. 14 prompted the Egyptian government to announce it would review the safety conditions of churches across the country.
The blaze killed 41 people and injured 14 others, according to the Egyptian Ministry of Health.
Hours later, Egyptian Minister of Social Solidarity Nevin al-Kabbaj said in a statement televised on Al-Arabiya, “The Egyptian state is working on a complete review of the safety conditions of churches, particularly old ones, to prevent and avoid any new disasters, especially after the fire of Abu Sifein Church in Imbaba.”
She explained that the government expects to close down some dilapidated buildings and replace them where possible, adding, “Some old churches are located in unsuitable and unsecured residential neighborhoods, on streets that do not allow access for firefighting vehicles.”
