The Military Production Club in Helwan partially collapsed on Wednesday, killing or wounding over ten pedestrians, according to eyewitnesses.
Area residents responded with demonstrations and violence, blaming the collapse on poor building management and citing what they consider an inadequate response.
Preliminary investigations reveal several of the structure's walls collapsed suddenly as the victims walked along a narrow street next to the club. Local residents say civic defense forces arrived late and the ambulance went to the wrong location, forcing residents to carry the injured to emergency vehicles.
Residents also say they registered previous complaints with the Minister of Military Production and their local representative, Sayyed Mashaal, requesting building repairs. Meshaal, however, disregarded the request, the residents said.
Close to 3000 area residents gathered outside the club, throwing stones and chanting slogans in support of Mostafa Bakry, the area’s former representative. Several residents stormed the club, threw stones at the building, and smashed seats. Demonstrators clashed with local security forces, and some were arrested. Other residents demonstrated in front of the Helwan police station.
Rescue forces continue to remove victims from under the rubble and transfer the injured to the hospital.
Helwan emergency room staff reportedly informed assistant minister and Director of Security Major General Hamed Abdallah of the incident.
Translated in Arabic Edition.
