A massive fire broke out at a police complex in Ismailia, Egypt, leaving at least 38 people injured, according to emergency services and local media reports. The incident has sparked concerns over fire safety standards and emergency response in the country.

Firefighters rushed to the scene to battle the blaze that engulfed the facility, with dramatic videos posted on social media depicting the building covered in flames. The local hospitals in Ismailia were put on high alert to accommodate the injured.

An investigation into the cause of the fire has been initiated, as confirmed by the AFP news agency. Civil defense sources revealed that the intense fire led to the partial collapse of sections of the Directorate of Security headquarters.

Egypt's health ministry swiftly dispatched 50 ambulances and two military aircraft to the site. At least 24 individuals are being treated for asphyxiation, while two others have sustained burns. There are concerns that the number of casualties may rise, as one Egyptian journalist suggested that fatalities could be a possibility given the scale of the fire.

Eyewitnesses who spoke to Reuters news agency described the initial challenges faced by firefighters in bringing the blaze under control. However, local media reports indicate that after more than three hours of intense effort, firefighters managed to contain the inferno.

Deadly fires have unfortunately become all too common in Egypt due to lax enforcement of fire safety regulations and slow emergency response times. In a tragic incident just last August, a fire caused by a short circuit claimed the lives of 41 people in a church located in Cairo.

The Ismailia police complex fire serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved fire safety measures and emergency preparedness in Egypt. Authorities are expected to face mounting pressure to address these issues and ensure the safety of citizens in the future. Further details on the incident and the extent of the damage are awaited as the investigation unfolds.