A fire that broke out Sunday in a Coptic church in Cairo killed 41 people, church officials said, while the health ministry said 55 people were injured.

The blaze started for unknown reasons at the Abu Sifine church in the Egyptian capital's working-class district of Imbaba, officials said.

It's feared many of the victims are children and the death toll could rise as some 45 people have also been left injured after flames tore through the Abu Seifeng Church in Egypt.

It's reported the congregation had just finished prayer when the blaze broke out - causing a stampede as panicked church-goers rushed to evacuate.

Dozens of ambulances were rushed to the scene in Imbaba, Giza, as firefighters battled to extinguish the raging flames.

At least 41 people have died, according to Egypt's Coptic Church.

According to local media, many of the casualties are thought to be children as there is a nursery inside the church.

Shocking pictures show the horrific aftermath of the blaze, with the inside of the church completely burnt.
Initial investigations suggest the fire was caused after a generator exploded.

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi called the incident a "tragic accident" and said he was "closely following development".

He said: "I have directed all relevant state agencies and institutions to take all necessary measures, immediately, to deal with this incident and its effects and to provide all aspect of healthcare to the injured.

"My sincere condolences to the families of the innocent victims who moved to their Lord's neighbor in a house from his homes where he is worshipped."–Agencies