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Art & Culture / Entertainment
Fire destroys 80-year-old iconic Al-Ahram Studio in Egypt, no casualty

Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 17 Mar 2024, 05:58 am Print

Fire destroys 80-year-old iconic Al-Ahram Studio in Egypt, no casualty Al-Ahram Studio

Photo Courtesy: Screen grab from video posted on X

A major fire gutted the 80-year-old iconic Al-Ahram Studio, one of the oldest in the world, on Saturday.

The fire reportedly spread across three other adjacent buildings, forcing authorities to evacuate before the blaze reached them.

According to local reports, firefighters took over six hours to bring the fire under control.

The fire broke out hours after the filming for Al-Moalem, a Ramadan television series, finished, reported Al-Ahram Online.

The studio was destroyed, including decorations, wood, places designated for photography, and corridors, reported the news portal.

Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

No casualty was reported in the incident.

However, some people were injured and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

PM visits the site damaged by fire

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Culture Nevine El-Kilany visited the site to inspect the extent of damage caused due to fire.

Why Al-Ahram Studio is important?

With three production stages, a screening room, and an editing suite, Al-Ahram Studio was founded in 1944.

Several Egyptian films and television series were produced at the iconic studio which was built on 27,000 square metres.

The Egyptian film industry, which is based in Cairo, is often referred to as the Hollywood of the East or Hollywood on the Nile.

The industry produced acclaimed international actor like late Omar Sharif and late director Youssef Chahine.