ALBAWABA- At least eight people were killed and 35 others injured after a massive fire tore through a three-story clothing factory in El-Mahalla El-Kubra, Egypt’s Gharbia Governorate, early Friday morning, according to the Ministry of Health and Population.
The blaze, which erupted during a night shift with about 200 workers present, spread quickly through highly flammable fabrics and poor ventilation.
Smoke inhalation, burns, and a partial structural collapse left dozens trapped before firefighters and 26 ambulances brought the situation under control after several hours.
The victims include several factory workers, while the injured are being treated at El-Mahalla General Hospital and nearby facilities.
The Public Prosecution has launched an investigation into possible causes, including electrical faults and safety violations, amid renewed criticism of fire safety standards in Egypt’s textile sector.
Gharbia Governor Major General Ashraf Al-Jundi confirmed in a media statement that the fire at the “Al-Bashbishi Yarn” factory in Al-Mahalla Al-Kubra has been fully contained after it broke out at dawn on Friday, September 26, 2025.
The blaze, which began with an electrical short circuit and boiler explosion on the first floor, led to the partial collapse of the building.
Al-Jundi said the National Emergency and Public Safety Network immediately raised readiness levels and coordinated with all civil defense, health, and security agencies.
Firefighting units, ambulances, heavy machinery, and water tankers were deployed to the scene, while hospitals in Mahalla, Tanta, and Samanoud received the injured.
The governor added that the facilities committee has been tasked with inspecting the collapsed building and neighboring properties to ensure their structural safety. Social solidarity teams were also directed to provide urgent relief and support to affected families.
According to the governor, the latest count recorded 8 deaths and 35 injuries. Twenty-nine of the injured have since been discharged after receiving treatment, while others remain under medical care, including 8 in intensive care. Rescue teams continue to search for people feared trapped under the rubble.
