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People and rescue workers search for survivors at the site of a collapsed eight-storey building in the Cairo suburb of Matariya, early November 25, 2014. REUTERS/Al Youm Al Saabi Newspaper
CAIRO, Oct 4 (Aswat Masriya) - Prosecutors have ordered the arrest of the owner of a building that collapsed earlier today, Sunday, in Cairo's heavily populated Shubra neighbourhood leaving seven dead and two injured.
He will remain in detention for four days pending investigation into charges of "involuntary manslaughter, violating building codes and negligence."
Gamal Halawa, director of civil protection in Cairo told state-run news agency MENA earlier today that the four-storey building collapsed while undergoing renovations by the owner.
Many buildings across Egypt were constructed in violation of safety standards and regulations. Others are threatened with collapse because they have not undergone necessary maintenance.
Despite the risk, residents continue to occupy these building for lack of alternatives. With a population of 89.6 million, Egypt is the Arab world's most populous country.