In a devastating incident on Monday, a massive fire erupted at the police headquarters in Ismailia, Egypt, leaving at least 38 people injured. The health ministry confirmed that no fatalities were immediately reported, but the fully staffed building faced a chaotic dawn as the flames consumed it.

Rescue services faced a daunting task upon arrival, finding the Ismailia Security Directorate building completely engulfed in flames and obscured by a massive cloud of smoke. Social media circulated footage revealing individuals trapped inside, desperately seeking help from the windows.

As emergency services brought the blaze under control, the once-functional headquarters turned into a charred shell by dawn. Cooling procedures were initiated to mitigate the risk of another fire.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, prompting Interior Minister Mahmoud Tawfik to order a thorough investigation and a structural safety review for the building. Security forces sealed off the area, and rescuers, aided by a crane, worked tirelessly to evacuate those trapped inside.

Of the 38 reported injuries, 24 suffered from “asphyxiation,” while two sustained burns. Emergency services, including 50 ambulances and military support with two planes, were swiftly deployed to the scene, showcasing a collaborative effort in the face of tragedy.

This incident underscores the challenges faced by emergency services in Egypt, where fire safety regulations are often lax, and response times can be slow.

As the Ismailia community grapples with the aftermath of this fire, questions about safety standards and emergency preparedness are likely to come to the forefront, emphasising the need for swift action and preventative measures.