Egyptian Arabella Plaza Shopping Center Explosion (August 2026)

The Arabella Plaza Shopping Center explosion occurred on 13 August 2026 at the Arabella Plaza shopping center in Tecemmü el-Hamis (Fifth Settlement) within the New Cairo district of Egypt's capital, Cairo. According to the Egyptian Ministry of Interior, the explosion resulted from the rupture of a helium gas cylinder in a gift shop located on the ground floor of the shopping center. The incident triggered a limited-scale fire within the store, resulting in three fatalities and 17 injuries.

^{Arabella Plaza Shopping Center Explosion, 13 August 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

The explosion took place in a gift and toy shop on the ground floor of the Arabella Plaza shopping center in Tecemmü el-Hamis, New Cairo. The Egyptian Ministry of Interior stated that the incident was caused by the rupture of a helium gas cylinder and that the resulting limited fire was brought under control by civil defense teams. The blast also caused damage to the facades and windows of nearby shops.

According to official figures, three people lost their lives and 17 were injured in the explosion.

The Egyptian Ministry of Interior confirmed that the explosion was caused by the rupture of a helium cylinder in a gift shop on the ground floor of the shopping center. The ministry reported that three people died and several others were injured, and that the fire in the store had been brought under control.

Following the incident, the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population announced that eight ambulances were dispatched to the area. New Cairo Specialized Hospital admitted 11 injured individuals, while six others were transferred to nearby hospitals for emergency medical intervention and evaluation. The ministry extended condolences to the families of the deceased and stated that necessary preparations had been enhanced at healthcare facilities.

Rescue teams inspected the site to locate any individuals trapped under debris, while security forces cordoned off the area and evacuated bystanders. Security measures were implemented to ensure the uninterrupted operations of fire and ambulance units. After the fire was brought under control, the shopping center was emptied as a precautionary measure.

The Egyptian Public Prosecution ordered the detention of the shop owner where the explosion occurred for questioning. The investigation is ongoing.