Fire broke out in Egypt's new Alexandria library on Sunday, and 29 people were rushed to local hospitals suffering from smoke inhalation. The fire was blamed on a short circuit. The extent of damage at Bibliotheca Alexandria has yet to be determined, but the fire appeared to be restricted to fourth-floor administrative offices. Sixteen fire engines rushed to the scene and put out the blaze in about 45 minutes. Witnesses said the fire was extinguished at about 11:00 (09:00 GMT). Fifteen ambulances were seen outside the evacuated library. Fire contributed to the destruction of the original Alexandria library, one of the world's great centres of learning in the ancient world.