A massive fire broke out early Monday at the headquarters of the Directorate of Security in the Egyptian Suez Canal city of Ismailia, leaving as many as 38 people wounded, according to security sources. The blaze, which engulfed a multi-story skyscraper, was eventually contained after hours of intense firefighting efforts.
While there were no immediate reports of casualties, hospitals were put on high alert as smoke billowed from the completely burned building. The facility is typically manned by soldiers, and local television footage captured the dramatic scene.
The cause of the fire remains unknown and is currently under investigation. Multiple fire trucks rushed to the scene, joined by 50 ambulances from the health ministry and military emergency services, including two planes.
The health ministry reported that of the 26 wounded individuals who were transported to a local hospital, 24 suffered from “asphyxiation,” and two sustained burns. Additionally, 12 more individuals were treated at the scene.
Egypt’s Interior Minister, Major General Mahmoud Tawfiq, is closely monitoring the firefighting efforts and the condition of individuals and officers who were inside the building when the fire ignited.
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges surrounding fire safety in Egypt. The country has faced deadly fires in the past due to lax enforcement of fire codes and slow emergency response times. In August 2022, a fire caused by a short circuit in a Cairo church claimed the lives of 41 worshippers, leading to calls for improved infrastructure and quicker fire brigade response times. Similarly, in March 2021, at least 20 people died in a fire at a textile factory in the capital, and in 2020, two hospital fires resulted in the loss of 14 lives.
As the investigation into this latest fire unfolds, there will likely be increased scrutiny of safety measures and regulations to prevent future tragedies of this nature.
