Tragedy struck Cairo on Monday as a five-story apartment building crumbled, resulting in the loss of at least nine lives. Rescue crews worked tirelessly amidst the debris, searching for survivors.
Building collapses are a recurring problem in Egypt, often attributed to substandard construction practices and inadequate upkeep, particularly in impoverished urban areas and rural regions.
According to the state-run MENA news agency, rescue workers retrieved at least nine bodies from the wreckage in the Hadaeq el-Qubbah district, approximately two miles from Cairo's city center.
Rescuers diligently searched the remains of the collapsed building. (AP Photo)
MENA also reported that four survivors were transported to a hospital, and a neighboring building was evacuated as a precaution.
Preliminary assessments by Cairo's deputy governor, Hossam Fawzi, indicate that the collapse was triggered by a ground floor resident who removed several walls during prior renovations. The resident has been apprehended and is currently under investigation.
Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity has pledged financial assistance of $1,940 to the families of each victim. The ministry is also providing aid to those injured and assessing the damage to adjacent properties.
Local reports indicate that police secured the area while rescue teams meticulously searched for any survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
In recent years, the Egyptian government has intensified efforts to address illegal construction following decades of lax enforcement. Furthermore, authorities are developing new cities and neighborhoods to relocate residents from high-risk areas.
