A tragedy has unfolded in Fez, Morocco, as the death toll from a building collapse has tragically climbed to **22 residents.** This devastating event, which occurred on Tuesday, involved the collapse of two residential buildings, sending shockwaves through the community. The initial report of 19 fatalities has been revised upwards, underscoring the severity of the situation.
The incident began with the collapse of an unoccupied building in the Al-Mustaqbal neighborhood, which then triggered the collapse of a neighboring four-story structure. Tragically, the second building was the site of a traditional Aqiqah celebration, a ceremony to mark a birth. This adds another layer of heartbreak to the disaster, as women and children were among the victims. In addition to the lives lost, 16 people were injured, some of whom are in critical condition. Authorities have warned that the death toll may increase as rescue operations continue.
Judicial police, under the guidance of the public prosecutor, have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse. Preliminary findings indicate that the buildings were constructed in 2006.
Local officials have revealed that the structures were built under 'self-construction' schemes for residents of the Ain Smen area, as part of the 'Fez, City Without Slums' program. This raises questions about the oversight and safety standards applied to these projects.
The collapse has reignited concerns about building safety across Morocco. In January, the Secretary of State for Housing, Adib Ben Ibrahim, stated that approximately 38,800 buildings nationwide are at risk of collapse.
Fez, Morocco's third-largest city, has recently experienced protests over poor living conditions and public services. This building collapse is one of the deadliest in the country since a minaret fell in the historic city of Meknes in 2010, resulting in 41 fatalities.
What are your thoughts on building safety standards in Morocco, and what measures do you believe should be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future?
