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Cairo airport works as usual, traffic unaffected by fire nearby — security source

The Youm7 daily said, citing a security official, that over 10 people were injured

CAIRO, July 13. /TASS/. The Cairo International Airport works in normal regime, an airport security official told TASS on Friday, commenting on media reports about a blast and subsequent fire near the airport.

The Al Arabiya TV channel earlier reported citing eyewitnesses that a huge blast was heard near the Cairo International Airport on Thursday night, followed by a fire. According to the channel’s sources, the blast and the fire hit the airport’s fuel storage facility.

"The Cairo airport works in normal regime, takeoffs and landings are performed on schedule," the official said.

"The fire broke out at a commercial fuel depot, which is adjacent to the airport," the source said, adding that the fire was caused by a blast at the same enterprise.

The Youm7 daily said, citing a security official, that over 10 people were injured in the accident.

"Ambulance vehicles evacuated 12 people from the site," he said. "All the injured have been taken to hospitals."

Civil Aviation Minister Younis al-Masry confirmed that "no blast took place on the premises of the airport." "Neither the blast, nor the blaze did any damage to the airport of Cairo," he added.

The minister said the blast was probably caused by near-unprecedented summer heat. On Thursday night, air temperature in the Egyptian capital stood at about 40 degrees Centigrade.

According to recent updates, the city’s civil defense units have already tackled the fire. Its cause is currently being investigated.