A massive fire broke out in a church in Egypt, consuming its contents before authorities managed to contain the flames and launch an investigation into the incident.
The Qena Security Directorate received a report of a fire at St. George Church in Qift, Qena Governorate, prompting the immediate dispatch of fire trucks and ambulances. Firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze completely, preventing its spread to neighboring buildings and structures.
According to eyewitnesses, thick flames and smoke rose from the church, leading authorities to impose a security cordon around the site to ensure safety, restrict civilian access, and facilitate rescue and firefighting operations.
It was confirmed that the church was empty of worshippers at the time of the fire, while preliminary investigations suggested an electrical short circuit as the cause of the fire.
Authorities have ordered a forensic laboratory inspection of the fire’s aftermath to determine the exact cause and assess damages and losses.
St. George Church in Qift is considered a historically significant and religiously symbolic site for the people of Qena Governorate.