A massive fire that broke out on Wednesday at the Al-Sayeda Aisha Market in southern Cairo caused property damage estimated at some EGP 2 million, according to a committee formed by the Sayeda Aisha district authority.
The fire destroyed around 50 makeshift shacks used to store merchandise, mostly furniture and electric appliances.
The prosecution is currently investigating the incident, with a number of shop owners claiming that the fire was caused by a discarded cigarette butt at a furniture store, according to Al-Ahram Arabic news website.
Al-Sayeda Aisha Market, also known as Souq El-Gomaa (the Friday Market), is considered a hotspot for the sale of cattle and second-hand merchandise.
In early May, fires destroyed large parts of another popular market at the El-Rawiei and Ghouriya areas in central Cairo, costing up to EGP 400 million in property damage.
