Fire ravaged a 19th century palace housing the Upper Chamber of Egypt's Parliament. Flames burst through windows as helicopters scooped water from the Nile to try to douse the blaze.
Firefighters appeared to be struggling in efforts to put out the flames: A dozen fire trucks rushed to the scene, but only three were actively spraying hoses hours after the fire erupted, apparently due to water shortages.
Evacuated employees said authorities told them they had ruled out terrorism, and that an electrical short-circuit had probably sparked the fire.
At least 16 workers and firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation and other minor injuries, said Ahmad Salah, the fire operations supervisor.
Flames soared upward from the top floor of the three-storey building, and much of the interior appeared gutted. While firefighters focused on one corner of the building, the blaze burned unabated on the other side.
Parliament's archive room, library and several large meeting chambers were all destroyed.
Parliament is in recess.
Egypt's Upper House, or Shura Council, is a largely symbolic body that can only advise on legislation. A third of its members are appointed by the President.
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