The deadly blaze at a textile dyeing factory in El-Mahalla El-Kubra has sparked fierce criticism from labor and rights groups, who accuse authorities of failing to enforce basic safety standards after 13 workers lost their lives and dozens were injured.
In a statement, Gharbiya governorate said the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit that sparked the blaze and led to a boiler explosion on the first floor, resulting in the partial collapse of the building.
Broadcaster Amr Adib reported that three Civil Defense officers and police sergeant Khamees Ali, died while fighting the blaze. News outlets also confirmed their deaths, although the Interior Ministry has not issued a statement.
The Center for Trade Union and Workers Services (CTUWS) said the six-floor building was rented to small garment and textile workshops. The Center stressed that the repetition of fatal accidents among workers reflects negligence in enforcing occupational health and safety standards.
The CTUWS cited recent cases including a worker who suffocated in July at the state-run Misr Spinning and Weaving Company due to poor ventilation, three killed in a water tank explosion at an old power station at the same company in February, and the 18 female farmworkers who died in a traffic crash while heading to pick grapes.
The repeated deaths of workers reflect negligence in applying occupational safety and health standards, said the CTUWS, calling the victims “martyrs of livelihood” and asking why the Ministry of Labor has not been held accountable.
Kamal Abbas, CTUWS general coordinator, told Al Manassa that Mahalla, known as “the city of the loom,” hosts hundreds of small textile and dye factories, mostly operating without inspections from the labor or industry ministries. “The fact that this dye house was located in such a building proves there is no oversight,” he said.
Abbas added that conditions in informal “backstreet” factories are the worst in the private sector, with workers denied minimum wages, regulated hours, and insurance. “If big private firms like T&C Garments or Linen Group don’t respect the minimum wage, what rights could workers in tiny workshops possibly have?” he said.
He criticized Labor Minister Mohamed Gobran, saying his activities focused on “seminars and conferences that amount to ministry PR, with no real impact.” Abbas called for health and safety standards to be enforced and civil society groups to participate in oversight.
For its part, the Private Sector Workers Union said the fire amounted to gross negligence that warrants legal accountability. It demanded an urgent investigation committee including labor relations, inspection, and health and safety officials, with findings made public and legal action taken against any negligent officials.
The ministries of labor and social solidarity announced compensation of 400,000 Egyptian pounds (about $8,000) for each victim’s family, along with financial assistance for the injured, based on medical reports issued by the Ministry of Health.
