Cairo: Major Telecom Fire Causes Injuries and Widespread Service Disruptions

Edited by: Safae Fathi

The fire that broke out in the main Telecom Egypt building in downtown Cairo on Monday injured at least 14 people and temporarily disrupted internet and mobile services across the city, officials said.

The blaze started on the seventh floor of the 10-story structure in the Ramses district, according to the governor’s office. Thick black smoke billowed above the city center as firefighters used ladders and high-pressure hoses to contain the flames. Security forces closed nearby streets to protect residents and facilitate emergency efforts.

The Health Ministry reported that all 14 injured individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment, including two emergency workers who sustained burns.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority confirmed that the fire began in an equipment room, leading to temporary interruptions in telecom and online payment services. Officials stated that services would be gradually restored within hours.

NetBlocks, a global internet monitoring group, noted that national connectivity fell to 62% of normal levels during the incident.

The fire occurred only a few kilometers from Ramses train station, where a 2019 accident killed at least 25 people and injured dozens more.