Apartment building collapse in Cairo leaves eight dead, three injured

At least eight people were killed and three others injured on Tuesday when a six-story apartment building collapsed in Cairo’s western Waili neighborhood, according to Egyptian authorities.

The Health Ministry confirmed the fatalities and said the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Rescue efforts were underway as authorities worked to ensure no one remained trapped under the rubble.

Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber ordered the evacuation of neighboring buildings as a precautionary measure, citing safety concerns. An investigation into the cause of the collapse is being conducted by local prosecutors, though no immediate explanation has been provided. The building, reportedly constructed in the 1960s, is believed to have suffered from structural weaknesses.

Building collapses are a recurring issue in Egypt, particularly in low-income neighborhoods and shantytowns, where substandard construction and poor maintenance are common. Over the years, lax enforcement of building codes has allowed unsafe structures to proliferate, particularly in densely populated urban areas.

In response to these challenges, the government has launched initiatives to crack down on illegal construction and enforce stricter building regulations. Authorities are also developing new cities and housing projects to rehouse residents from at-risk areas. Despite these efforts, many cities in Egypt still face the danger of unsafe and unlicensed buildings.

The tragedy has renewed calls for stricter oversight and enforcement to prevent similar incidents. Local authorities have pledged to expedite the investigation and implement measures to ensure the safety of residents in the affected area.