Three dead in crush at Egyptian cathedral

Egyptian Deputy Minister of Health, Hisham Shiha, has stated that three people have died and 137 were injured due to a stamped at St Mark's Cathedral in Cairo's Abbasiya district. Crowds have been gathering at the cathedral since Sunday, as Coptic Christians attempt to take a last look at the late Pope Shenouda III, whose body is on display at the cathedral. Sixty-five of the injured have been transported to Dar Al-Shefaa, Demerdash, Zahraa Gemaei and Helmeya military hospitals to receive treatment. The remaining 72 cases were dealt with through on-the-spot treatment in Cathedral Square, with most suffering from breathing difficulties. Shiha said all the cases referred to hospitals had been discharged after showing signs of recovery, with the exception of 10 patients who were still receiving treatment; one in Dar Al-Shefaa, five in Demerdash, two in Zahraa Gamaei, and one in the Helmeya military hospital. He stated that the ministry of health sent 30 ambulances equipped with medical teams and medical supplies, as well as two mobile clinics and a pharmaceutical unit to secure the cathedral. Thousands of Coptic Christians continued to pay their respects to Pope Shenouda in Abbasiya on Monday morning, despite a Church announcement that the cathedral gates would close following the deaths and injuries.