Investigations are ongoing into the causes of a limited fire which broke out at the church of Mar-Girgis (St George) in the village of al-Azbah wal-Arab in Akhmim in Sohag, some 500km south of Cairo, on 24 March.
The causes for the fire are not known; the forensic laboratory is still at work and has as yet announced no findings. The prosecution is investigating the surveillance cameras and questioning witnesses.
The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Saqultah and Akhmim had issued a statement on the fire. It read:
“A limited fire broke out on the afternoon of 24 March at the church Mar-Girgis in the village of al-Azbah wal-Arab, damaging the balcony above the church’s nave. The balcony was completely destroyed, but there were no casualties as the church had been closed at the time of the fire.
“The fire fighters managed to extinguish the fire with the help of the young villagers and Coptic congregation. Police and prosecution officers promptly headed to the scene of the fire, joined by Major-General Muhammad Abdel-Moneim, Director of Sohag Security.”
Watani International
1 April 2024