Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab had a phone conversation with New Valley Governor Mahmoud Ashmawy over a huge fire that broke out this morning in a commercial market in El Kharga and destroyed 18 shops.

While inspecting the blaze scene, the governor said the demands of harmed vendors are being studied, while the local council is working on removing the debris.

More than 10 fire engines had participated in extinguishing the flames. Ambulances rushed to the scene to offer medical services to citizens suffering from smoke inhalation.