At least 41 dead in Cairo church fire

At least 41 people have been killed in a fire at a church near Egypt’s capital, Cairo. The number of dead was declared by the country’s Coptic Church, citing health officials. Fourteen other people were reportedly injured.

The blaze began for unknown reasons at the Abu Sefein church in the capital’s northwestern, working-class district of Imbaba, officials said.

The cause of the blaze was not immediately known. Police said an initial inquiry blamed an electrical short-circuit.

The Health Ministry said ambulances have transferred at least 55 injured to hospitals and ministry spokesman Hossam Abdel-Ghafar said at least one person was killed.

Fire services later said the blaze had been brought under control.