Greece’s Foreign Ministry has issued condolences after a fire broke out at a church in Giza, Egypt where at least 41 people were killed, including at least 10 children, on Sunday.
The fire ripped through a packed Coptic Orthodox church during morning services in Egypt’s capital just before 9am.
As many as 16 people were injured, including four policemen involved in the rescue effort.
The cause of the blaze, which produced huge amounts of smoke in the Abu Sefein church in the neighbourhood of Imbaba, was not immediately known.
According to a police statement, an initial investigation pointed to an electrical short-circuit.
In a statement, the Greek Foreign Ministry said it is “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in a fire at a church in Giza, Egypt.”
“Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for a swift recovery to the injured,” the ministry said.
“At this difficult time, Greece stands in full solidarity with our close friends the people and government of Egypt.”
Sunday’s blaze was one of the worst tragedies in recent years in a country where safety standards and fire regulations are poorly enforced.
Source: ABC News.
