Blast at Cairo chemical site injures 12: army
Army spokesperson says blast the result of an increase in temperature in the area
PHOTO COURTESY: BBC
CAIRO:
A strong explosion at a chemical tank near Cairo airport in the east of the Egyptian capital has left at least a dozen people injured, the army said on Thursday night.
Witnesses reported the blast after hearing a loud noise, and images of flames and smoke were shared on social media.
Crown prince signs $10 billion deal on mega-city during Cairo visit
Security sources said the 12 injured people were taken to hospital for treatment.
Army spokesperson Tamer el-Refai said on Twitter an "increase in heat" caused the explosion, which took place at a company specialising in "chemical industries" in an area controlled by the army.
The area was cordoned off by a strong police presence, according to an AFP correspondent on site, who said fire engines and emergency vehicles were sent to fight the flames and help the wounded.
Cairo, Moscow sign contract for Egypt's first nuclear plant
The Department of Civil Aviation denied that the explosion took place inside the airport, as indicated by some witnesses.
"Air traffic continues," Ministry spokesperson Bassem Abdel Karim said in a statement.
"Departing and arriving flights are not affected," he added.
A strong explosion at a chemical tank near Cairo airport in the east of the Egyptian capital has left at least a dozen people injured, the army said on Thursday night.
Witnesses reported the blast after hearing a loud noise, and images of flames and smoke were shared on social media.
Crown prince signs $10 billion deal on mega-city during Cairo visit
Security sources said the 12 injured people were taken to hospital for treatment.
Army spokesperson Tamer el-Refai said on Twitter an "increase in heat" caused the explosion, which took place at a company specialising in "chemical industries" in an area controlled by the army.
The area was cordoned off by a strong police presence, according to an AFP correspondent on site, who said fire engines and emergency vehicles were sent to fight the flames and help the wounded.
Cairo, Moscow sign contract for Egypt's first nuclear plant
The Department of Civil Aviation denied that the explosion took place inside the airport, as indicated by some witnesses.
"Air traffic continues," Ministry spokesperson Bassem Abdel Karim said in a statement.
"Departing and arriving flights are not affected," he added.