At least 41 people died in a fire in a Coptic church in Giza near Cairo, the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt announced today.

A source from the Ministry of Health for DPA confirmed the number of deceased.

- The number of dead increased after several people injured in the fire succumbed to their injuries, added the source, who asked not to be named because he is not authorized to speak to the media.

The Coptic Church said the fire broke out during morning mass at the Abo Sefein Church in the city of Giza, killing at least 41 people and injuring 14.

The fire broke out due to a faulty electrical circuit caused by an air conditioner in the church building, the Ministry of the Interior said.

The fire was later brought under control, the Ministry's statement added. Five people from the civil defense were injured in the incident.