Three people were killed and 17 others injured after an explosion and fire at Arabella Plaza Mall in New Cairo on Thursday, 13 August, prompting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the Public Prosecution, the incident began with an explosion inside a shop at the mall selling gifts and children’s toys. Initial investigations indicate that the explosion was caused by a gas cylinder.
The explosion was followed by a fire, with emergency services and Civil Protection forces dispatched to the scene to contain the blaze and assist those inside the mall.
At least 17 people were injured and transported to several hospitals for treatment. The Public Prosecution said its members visited the injured and questioned those whose medical conditions allowed them to provide statements.
Three people were also killed in the incident. Local reports identified them as 38-year-old Nour Omar El-Farouk El-Bendary, 31-year-old Menna Salah Abdel-Rabou Haggag, and 25-year-old Abdel-Rahman Tarek Mosaad, who worked at businesses inside the mall.
Identifying the other victims is still ongoing. The Public Prosecution assigned forensic experts to conduct DNA tests on human remains recovered from the scene.
Prosecutors also inspected the site and reviewed surveillance-camera footage as part of the investigation, while witnesses were questioned about the events leading up to the explosion.
The General Administration of Forensic Evidence has been tasked with examining the scene, collecting evidence and determining the exact cause and circumstances of the explosion.
As part of the investigation, the Public Prosecution ordered the summoning of the mall’s management for questioning and the arrest of the owner of the shop where the explosion occurred.
A committee from the New Cairo City Authority was also tasked with reviewing the mall’s and shop’s records, including their licences and compliance with civil defence and safety requirements.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the circumstances of the explosion and whether any individuals or entities bear responsibility for the incident.
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