Skip to main content

Egypt: Rescue teams search for survivors after 13-storey building collapse

Health ministry reports at least four injured in collapse caused by 'vertical split' in building
Civil defence first responders speak with police (white) at the scene of a collapsed 13-storey building in the Sidi Bishr district of Alexandria, 26 June 2023 (AFP)

Rescue crews in Egypt's Alexandria are searching for survivors following the collapse of a 13-storey building in the city on Monday.

The number of people trapped under the rubble of the building in Sidi Bishr district used to house holidaymakers is currently unknown.

Local police suggested the collapse was caused by a “vertical split” in the building’s structure. 

The Egyptian health ministry said that at least four people were injured in the collapse, adding the injuries were minor and mostly as a result of suffocation.

Alexandria state governor Muhammad al-Sharif said the building was usually rented out to holidaymakers during the summer months and that there was also a supermarket in one of the ground floor properties.

Stay informed with MEE's newsletters

Sign up to get the latest alerts, insights and analysis, starting with Turkey Unpacked

 

He pointed out that the top floor of the building had been removed prior to the collapse following concerns over its stability.

Nearby hospitals were placed on high alert for survivors. Videos on social media showed bulldozers working through the rubble.

Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.