Major fire breaks out at telecom hub in Cairo

A significant fire erupted at a vital telecommunications exchange in central Cairo on Monday, causing widespread disruption to phone and internet services across the Egyptian capital, according to AFP. The blaze, which began on the seventh floor of the historic Ramses exchange building, a cornerstone of Egypt's digital infrastructure, injured 14 people. National media reported that thick black smoke billowed from the upper floors, and was visible across the city.

Fire crews quickly responded, with state television reporting the fire contained later in the day. The incident led to power outages in the immediate vicinity and, critically, impacted air travel. Egypt's Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that the telecommunications and internet network disruptions caused limited delays for some flights at Cairo airport. The event underscores the fragility of crucial urban infrastructure and its ripple effects on daily life and essential services.