At least 22 people have died and 16 others were injured following the collapse of two adjacent buildings in Fez, one of Morocco’s oldest cities. The incident occurred overnight, prompting an immediate response from local authorities, who confirmed that one of the buildings was unoccupied while the other was hosting an Aqiqah, a traditional Muslim celebration marking a child’s birth. The prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the incident, though the official death toll remains preliminary.
Both buildings involved in the collapse were four stories high. According to local authorities, eight families resided in the building where the celebration was taking place. Witnesses reported that the buildings had shown signs of structural damage, including visible cracks, for some time prior to the incident.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Rescue workers and local residents engaged in frantic efforts to search for survivors amid the rubble. A survivor, who lost his wife and three children in the tragedy, shared with Medi1 TV that rescuers managed to recover one body, but he was eagerly awaiting news about the others trapped beneath the debris. Footage from SNRT News depicted scenes of desperation as rescuers worked tirelessly to locate victims.
An elderly woman, wrapped in a blanket, recounted her experience to SNRT News: “My son who lives upstairs told me the building is coming down. When we went out, we saw the building collapsing.” The Interior Ministry has yet to comment on the reports regarding the structural integrity of the buildings.
Living Conditions Under Scrutiny
The collapse comes against a backdrop of escalating public discontent in Fez, a former capital that dates back to the eighth century. The city has been a focal point of anti-government protests in recent months, with demonstrators voicing concerns over deteriorating living conditions and inadequate public services.
Adib Ben Ibrahim, the Housing Secretary of State, revealed in January that approximately 38,800 buildings across Morocco were classified as at risk of collapse. The incident in Fez marks one of the most significant building collapses in the country since a minaret fell in Meknes in 2010, resulting in 41 fatalities.
Morocco’s population is largely concentrated in the northwest, where financial and industrial hubs are located. The country faces ongoing challenges, including poverty and inadequate public services, which have fueled youth-led unrest. As Morocco gears up for the upcoming 2030 FIFA World Cup and the African Cup of Nations tournament, concerns remain about the quality of infrastructure in some of the poorest neighborhoods, including those in Fez.
This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive assessments and improvements in building safety standards across Morocco. As investigations continue, the local community and authorities face a crucial moment to address the underlying issues affecting public safety and living conditions.
