Thursday March 28th, 2024
Download SceneNow app
Copied

UPDATE: Massive Fire Breaks Out in New Cairo

The fire reportedly erupted when a gas pipe exploded, causing one dead and 10 injured.

Staff Writer

Egyptian commuters and travellers across the Ring Road spotted this morning a massive fire close to New Cairo. According to local newspaper Al Ahram, the fire was caused by a gas pipe explosion at the start of Road 90 (the entryway to New Cairo), although the cause of the explosion still remains unclear. No casualties or injuries have been reported.

Egypt’s Civil Protection Authority is attempting to put out the fire, and all roads leading to New Cairo were closed by security forces until the situation is contained; which has caused traffic jams on the Ring Road connecting New Cairo with the rest of the city. 

UPDATE: As a result of the fire, one person passed away and 10 were injured with burns of varying degrees, according to Al Ahram. The newspaper cited Health ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed, who told satellite TV channel Extra News that the deceased had heavy burns to his body and died at the scene before being transported to hospital.

According to Interior minister aide General Tarek Attia, the fire broke out when a loader operator working at a construction site in the area broke the pipe by accident. The loader driver and some others suspected of being responsible for the breach are now in police custody, Attia explained.

Head of the Civil Protection Authority Magdy El-Shalaqany told state news agency MENA that the gas has been cut off from other pipes in the area to ensure that no more fires erupt.

More updates to follow.