DOZENS DIE IN EGYPT CHURCH STAMPEDE
Dozens of people have died after a fire broke out at a church in Egypt, many of them crushed during a desperate scramble to escape.
Officials say the number of dead is at least 41, with dozens injured. Children are believed to be among the dead.
An electrical fire broke out as 5,000 worshipers gathered for Mass at the Coptic Abu Sifin church in Giza, security sources told Reuters.
The fire blocked an entrance, causing a stampede, they said.
Citing hospital records, CNN reported that some 18 children, aged between 3 to 16 years old, were killed.
Fire services said the exact cause of the fire remains unclear. However, Father Farid Fahmy, from another nearby church in the Imbaba neighbourhood, told the AFP news agency that it was sparked by a short circuit.
The power was out and they were using a generator,” he said. “When the power came back, it caused an overload.”
Worshipers have been explaining their moments since the blaze ignited.