Massive fire breaks out at Christian church in Egypt, 41 dead, several persons injured

CAIRO: As many as 41 people were killed after a massive fire broke out at a Christian Church near the Egyptian capital Cairo. More than 50 people were injured. The fire broke out at Abu Sifine, a Coptic church in Giza, northwest of Cairo.

Around 5000 people were participating in prayers in the church at the time of the accident. News agencies reported that many people were killed and injured in the stampede triggered by the fire. Fire services later said the blaze had been brought under control. The fire was due to a faulty electric circuit caused by an air conditioner in the church building, the Interior Ministry said.