A devastating fire at a major data centre in Cairo claimed the lives of four workers and injured at least 22 others, according to Egypt’s Ministry of Health. The blaze, which erupted on Monday at a Telecom Egypt facility, triggered widespread disruptions to communication networks and essential services across the capital.
Health Ministry spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar confirmed the fatalities and injuries, most of which were due to smoke inhalation. He noted that emergency services responded promptly and medical assistance was provided at the scene.
The affected facility, operated by Telecom Egypt (ETEL.CA), is a critical hub for internet and telecommunication services in the country. While state television reported that the fire had been contained by Monday evening, the damage led to major service interruptions. Internet connectivity across Egypt dropped to 62% of normal levels, according to internet monitoring organization NetBlocks.
The fire not only disrupted phone calls and online access but also affected digital banking services. Customers across the city reported being unable to use credit cards, ATM machines, or complete online transactions. Although banks had already closed for the day, the outage raised concerns about the resilience of digital infrastructure during emergencies.
In response, the Health Ministry issued alternative contact numbers for ambulance services in various governorates, ensuring people could still access emergency care despite the communication breakdown.
Telecom Egypt issued a statement on Tuesday expressing sorrow over the loss of its employees and pledged to support their families during this difficult time. The company also assured the public that it is working to restore services as swiftly as possible.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat said that restoration efforts are ongoing and that services are expected to gradually return to normal within 24 hours.
The state-run MENA news agency reported that firefighters managed to stop the flames from spreading to the entire building and nearby rooftops, averting an even greater disaster.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was likely caused by an electrical short circuit, a security source told MENA. Authorities are continuing to examine the site for a comprehensive understanding of the incident.
The fire has raised fresh concerns about the vulnerability of Egypt’s digital infrastructure, especially as the country becomes increasingly reliant on digital communication and banking services. As restoration efforts continue, there is growing public demand for stronger safety measures and more robust systems to prevent similar incidents in the future.
By Faith Mwende
