At least eight people have died and 35 others were injured after a massive fire swept through a three-story clothing factory in El-Mahalla El-Kubra, in Egypt’s Gharbia Governorate, early on Friday morning, according to the Ministry of Health and Population.
The blaze erupted during a night shift of nearly 200 workers, spreading quickly through piles of highly flammable fabrics in poorly ventilated conditions. Witnesses reported scenes of panic as smoke and flames engulfed the building, while part of the structure later collapsed.
Emergency teams, including firefighters and 26 ambulances, battled the fire for several hours before bringing it under control. Many victims suffered from smoke inhalation, severe burns, and injuries caused by falling debris.
Health authorities confirmed that the injured were transferred to El-Mahalla General Hospital and other nearby facilities. By Friday evening, 29 of the wounded had been discharged, while eight remained in intensive care.
Investigation Underway
The Public Prosecution has launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze, with preliminary reports pointing to an electrical short circuit and a boiler explosion on the first floor. Authorities are also examining possible safety violations, amid mounting criticism of fire safety standards in Egypt’s vast textile industry.
Governor’s Statement
Gharbia Governor Major General Ashraf Al-Jundi confirmed that the fire at the Al-Bashbishi Yarn factory was fully contained by dawn on Friday, September 26. He said the National Emergency and Public Safety Network coordinated with civil defense, health, and security agencies to manage the crisis.
Firefighting units, water tankers, heavy machinery, and ambulances were dispatched to the site, while hospitals in Mahalla, Tanta, and Samanoud were placed on high alert.
Al-Jundi added that a facilities committee has been tasked with assessing the safety of the collapsed factory and surrounding buildings. Meanwhile, social solidarity teams have been directed to provide emergency aid to affected families.
Continuing Search Efforts
Rescue workers continued to sift through rubble on Friday amid fears that more victims may still be trapped. Officials said the death toll could rise if additional casualties are discovered.
The tragedy has renewed concerns about workplace safety in Egypt’s industrial hubs, where overcrowded conditions, outdated equipment, and weak enforcement of regulations have been blamed for previous accidents.
