[1][2][3] The fire, which investigations found started due to a faulty air-conditioning unit, spread to a nursery the church hosted, killing 41 people in total throughout the complex, including at least 18 children.

Egyptian law strictly regulates construction in churches, historically requiring a presidential decree to gain a building permit.

[6] The fire's death toll was among the largest in Egypt's recent history, and the country's top prosecutor ordered an investigation into the blaze.

[6][9] While Egypt's Copts have faced discrimination, attacks, and religious violence, both the church authorities and the Egyptian state agencies believe the fire to be accidental.

[15] Mohamed Salah, captain of the Egypt national football team, also tweeted his condolences,[4] and made a donation of three million Egyptian pounds to help rebuild the church.