Fire in Coptic Orthodox church in Egypt kills 41 including at least 10 children

Tragedy struck a packed Coptic Orthodox church in Cairo, capital of Egypt. It was a fire that happened at the Martyr Abu Sefein church during morning services and killed 41. In order to escape from the flames and fumes, many of the worshippers jumped from the upper floors. In the words of a survivor, the deaths were due to suffocation. Apart from the dead, many people who helped in rescue efforts suffered injuries. They included four policemen. The authorities rushed many of the victims to nearby hospitals. 41 killed in Egypt church fire, including many children. The church in Giza city in Greater Cairo is located in the working-class neighborhood of Imbaba. Giza is the second-largest city of Egypt and it lies just across the River Nile from Cairo.

Preliminary investigation indicates the source of the fire was in the second floor air conditioning system, probably from an electrical malfunction. The main cause of death was smoke inhalation. Families of those who lost their lives would receive compensation of $5,220. This is as per a cabinet statement. Incidentally, Copts are the largest Christian community in the Middle East. They make up at least 10 million of Egypt’s 103 million people. Egypt has suffered several deadly fires in recent years. In March 2021, the loss of lives was of at least 20 people. It happened in a textile factory in the eastern suburbs of Cairo. Prior to that in 2020, two hospital fires killed 14 patients who suffered from COVID-19.

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The Las Lajas Sanctuary built between 1916 and 1949 is a church located at an altitude of 2900 metres in the Colombian Andes. It is a major tourist attraction with more than 750,000 people visiting the church annually. About 120,000 pilgrims arrive during Holy Week.
This has been reported in nzherald.co.nz dated 19 January 2017.

This neo-Gothic basilica is believed to be the world's most beautiful church and is located on the edge of the Guaitara River canyon between the cities of Ipiales and Potosi in the southwestern province of Narino. It is less than 100-Km from the border with Ecuador and is dedicated Our Lady of the Rosary of Las Lajas.
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The roof of an under-construction church in Nigeria has collapsed during a packed service and at least 160 worshippers have been killed. The number of dead is expected to rise much further because dozens of people were also injured in the collapse in the southern city of Uyo in Akwa Ibom state.
This has been reported in news.sky.com dated 11 December 2016.

The Reigners Bible Church International was reportedly still under construction but it was being used for a ceremony to ordain church founder Akan Weeks as a bishop. As per witnesses, hundreds of people were inside when metal girders crashed and the corrugated iron roof caved in.
The governor of Akwa Ibom was attending the service at the time and both he and Akan Weeks escaped unhurt. Governor spokesman has indicated that the state government will hold an inquiry to investigate if building standards were compromised.
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