At least 41 Killed In Church Fire, Egypt
41 people have been reported dead after a fire ravaged a Coptic Christian church during mass on Sunday.
Lydia Kadima 
The fire, attributed to an electrical failure, damaged the Abu Sifin church and forced worshipers to leap from windows
Funerals for 41 victims were held on Sunday evening in two Cairo churches. According to AFP correspondents, hundreds gathered to pay their respects in and around the two churches in Giza where priests prayed for the victims.
The Egyptian Coptic Church and the health ministry stated that there had been 41 fatalities and 14 injuries before rescue services were able to put out the fire.
According to witnesses, people rushed into the multi-story house of worship to rescue those trapped in the fire but they were overcome by heat and poisonous smoke.
According to Sayed Tawfik, a witness, some people threw themselves out of windows to escape the fire.
Witnesses claimed that several people trying to flee the raging fires inside the Martyr Abu Sefein church who were caught facing thick black smoke leaped from upper floors.
15 fire engines were sent to the scene to put out the fires, while ambulances transported the injured people to local hospitals.
According to the president's office, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi phoned Coptic Christian Pope Tawadros II to express his sympathies.
“I offer my sincere condolences to the families of the innocent victims that have passed on to be with their Lord in one of his houses of worship,” el-Sisi said on Twitter.
Atleast 10 children were among those killed in the church fire, and 45 people were hurt, including four police officers who were helping with the rescue.
The fire started in the second-floor air conditioning as a consequence of an electrical problem, according to a statement from the interior ministry.
The statement further indicated that smoke inhalation was the primary cause of death. A cabinet statement also indicated that the deceased's families will get 100,000 Egyptian pounds ($5,220).
Hamada el-Sawy, the nation's top prosecutor, issued an investigative order and sent a team of prosecutors to the church.
