The death toll from a fire that broke out at an addiction treatment clinic in Banha, a city in Egypt’s Qalyubia governorate, has risen to seven, while 11 others were transferred to nearby hospitals after suffering from smoke inhalation.

Dr. Osama al-Shalqani, undersecretary of the Ministry of Health in Qalyubia, confirmed that the directorate is closely monitoring developments related to the incident. He said all necessary medical measures have been taken to treat the injured and noted that a technical and legal committee has been formed to urgently investigate the circumstances and causes of the fire.

Authorities are also coordinating with the victims’ families to provide the required support.

In a related development, the Egyptian Ministry of Health, in coordination with security agencies, is continuing campaigns to shut down unlicensed clinics and facilities operating without medical supervision or compliance with safety standards.

The outbreak of the fire in the clinic (circulating image)

The fire at the clinic comes just days after dozens of inmates escaped from an unlicensed addiction treatment center in the Mariouteya area of Giza governorate. Videos circulating online showed them fleeing into the street amid allegations of mistreatment, prompting official intervention and legal action against those responsible.