Explosion sounds spark alarm in Egypt

• Residents in Egypt’s 6th of October City were briefly alarmed after loud explosion sounds were traced to planned construction blasting, officials said.

Residents of 6th of October City in Egypt’s Giza Governorate were gripped by anxiety on Monday after a powerful explosion-like sound echoed across the area, shaking buildings and raising fears over public safety.

The incident marked the second such occurrence in less than 24 hours, prompting civil defense units and security forces to rush to the scene to determine the cause and reassure the public.

Site Details and Emergency Response

According to on-the-ground reports, the loud blast originated near a factory close to Gate Three of the Developers Zone, where plumes of smoke were seen rising into the air. Authorities responded swiftly, deploying fire engines, water tankers, and ambulances as a precautionary measure. Police cordoned off the area to facilitate inspections and ensure the safety of nearby pedestrians and facilities.

Cause Identified: Planned Construction Work

Officials later moved to dispel concerns, confirming that preliminary investigations found no criminal activity behind the incident. Sources indicated that the noise was caused by scheduled construction operations involving the fragmentation of solid rock formations.

The controlled explosions, carried out using technical blasting methods, took place in the desert hinterland as part of an urban expansion plan aimed at preparing new road networks linking the city to major transport corridors.

Authorities stressed that no casualties or property damage were reported in residential neighborhoods or vital facilities in 6th of October City or Sheikh Zayed. They emphasized that the situation remains fully under control and that the activity was part of pre-approved engineering works.