Tragic Fire in Egypt’s Shubra El-Kheima Kills Entire Family After Mobile Charger Short Circuit

CAIRO:A tragic fire in Egypt’s **Shubra El-Kheima** district claimed the lives of **a mother, her sister, and four children** after a **mobile phone charger short-circuited**, sparking flames that engulfed their apartment within minutes.

According to authorities, the fire broke out early **Thursday morning** in the **Beja M** area. Civil defense teams and security forces arrived at the scene after neighbors reported the blaze and eventually managed to extinguish it.

Eyewitnesses said the fire erupted around **7 a.m.**, and residents heard the children’s screams as flames rapidly spread through the flat. Neighbors rushed to help with water buckets, but the **iron gate** at the apartment entrance delayed rescue efforts, making it impossible to save the trapped family.

Initial investigations suggest that the **fire was caused by an electrical short circuit from a plugged-in mobile charger** left unattended.

Local media reported that the victims likely died due to **smoke inhalation and intense heat**. One witness recalled seeing a **special-needs child crying inside the apartment** before he tragically succumbed to suffocation.

Authorities have warned residents to take **safety precautions when charging mobile phones**, emphasizing that chargers should never be left plugged in unattended or near flammable materials.