Egyptian police officers walk by Jama'a Al Aqsunqur, Blue Mosque in Cairo, Egypt. An explosion at Cairo's Police Academy killed a police officer and two security personnel. Reuters
Egyptian police officers walk by Jama'a Al Aqsunqur, Blue Mosque in Cairo, Egypt. An explosion at Cairo's Police Academy killed a police officer and two security personnel. Reuters

Three killed in deadly blast at Cairo police academy likely caused by gas leak



A powerful explosion rocked the Police Academy in Cairo's Fifth Settlement area, resulting in the deaths of a police officer and two security personnel, according to the Egyptian ministry of interior.

The blast, which occurred at about midnight local time, was attributed to a gas leak during maintenance work in a storage centre in an open area within the academy grounds. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion that reverberated throughout the surrounding area.

The ministry confirmed the casualties, saying that “a gas explosion occurred during maintenance work in one of the warehouses on an open area inside the Police Academy, resulting in the death of a police officer and two individuals”.

As news of the incident spread, Egyptians took to social media to express their shock and sadness.

Reactions among the populace varied, with some expressing grief over the loss of life, while others called for greater transparency from the government regarding the details of the explosion, which remain very scant.

The Police Academy, in the eastern part of the Egyptian capital, is a prominent training centre for law enforcement personnel.

Updated: December 30, 2024, 9:11 AM