At least 11 killed as fire rips through Egypt textile factory

Firefighters battle blaze in downtown Cairo, 7 July 2025
Reuters

A factory fire and building collapse in Egypt’s Nile Delta has left 11 people dead and 33 injured, local authorities confirmed on Friday.

The blaze broke out at dawn in a clothing dye facility in Mahalla, Gharbia province, following an electrical short circuit that triggered a boiler explosion. The fire caused part of the structure to collapse, according to the governor’s media office.

Emergency crews contained the fire and cleared damaged sections of the site. Governor Ashraf el-Gendy visited the scene, while the labour ministry confirmed that some civil defence personnel were among the dead.

Health officials said 26 of the injured have since been discharged, with seven still receiving treatment, including two in intensive care.

Mahalla, around 103 kilometres north of Cairo, is a hub for Egypt’s textile industry.

The incident follows a major blaze in July at the headquarters of Egypt’s main telecoms provider in Cairo, which injured at least 14 people and disrupted internet and mobile services.

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