At least eight people were killed and 17 others injured in a fire that erupted at a textile factory in Cairo, Egyptian authorities reported Wednesday.
The blaze broke out late Tuesday night in a basement area housing the factory and its storage facilities inside a 12-story building in the capital, according to a statement from the Cairo governorate. Flames were brought under control after six fire engines responded to the scene, while around 10 ambulances transported the injured to nearby hospitals.
Authorities established a security cordon to prevent the fire from spreading to the surrounding residential area, which includes densely populated apartments. Local residents reported hearing loud explosions as the fire engulfed parts of the building before firefighters managed to contain it.
Dar-elhilal, the state-run news portal, confirmed the casualty figures and noted that rescue teams worked through the night to evacuate trapped workers. Many of the injured suffered from smoke inhalation and minor burns, while others were treated for more severe injuries at Cairo hospitals.
Prosecutors have opened an investigation into the cause of the fire, with initial inquiries focusing on potential electrical faults or flammable materials stored improperly in the factory basement. Officials have not yet ruled out other possibilities, and forensic teams are inspecting the site to determine the origin and sequence of events leading to the tragedy.
The fire has reignited concerns over workplace safety standards in Egypt’s industrial sector, particularly in older buildings repurposed for manufacturing. Cairo, home to hundreds of small and medium-sized factories, has experienced similar incidents in recent years, prompting calls for stricter regulatory oversight and improved safety measures.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as emergency responders arrived, with smoke and flames visible from neighboring streets. “It was terrifying,” said one resident who lives near the factory. “We could see workers running from the building as firefighters tried to control the blaze.”
The governorate statement emphasized that local authorities were coordinating with fire, police, and medical teams to ensure rapid response and minimize further damage. Officials also pledged to provide support for families affected by the incident, including medical care for the injured and assistance for the relatives of the deceased.
Egyptian media highlighted the risk of fires in densely packed urban areas, particularly in industrial buildings where safety protocols are not always strictly enforced. The Cairo governorate has urged factory owners across the city to review their emergency procedures and comply with fire safety regulations.
The incident comes amid broader discussions on industrial safety and labor protections in Egypt, where economic pressures have sometimes led to crowded working conditions. Workers’ unions have called for comprehensive safety audits and the implementation of modern fire suppression systems across factories, particularly in high-risk sectors such as textiles and chemical manufacturing.
Authorities said the investigation could take several weeks, as forensic experts examine structural damage, electrical systems, and storage practices to determine the root cause. Meanwhile, residents and officials alike are calling for lessons to be learned to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Cairo governorate confirmed that no further casualties have been reported and that the fire is fully under control. Emergency services continue to monitor the site to ensure that no flare-ups occur.
The fire at the textile factory underscores ongoing challenges in balancing industrial growth with workplace safety in Egypt’s rapidly expanding urban centers. Officials have vowed to strengthen oversight and ensure compliance with national safety standards to protect both workers and the surrounding communities.
