Nineteen Dead After Buildings Collapse in Fes, Morocco

A tragic incident in Fes, Morocco, has led to the deaths of at least 19 individuals following the collapse of two residential buildings. The buildings fell in the Al-Mustaqbal neighbourhood late on Tuesday night, trapping residents beneath the rubble. Among the deceased are four children, with numerous others sustaining injuries ranging from minor to severe.

Emergency services responded promptly, with police and civil protection teams working tirelessly through the night to search for survivors. As per local reports, video footage has surfaced online showing the chaotic scene as rescuers attempted to clear debris and locate those still missing.

The structures, which housed eight families, reportedly exhibited signs of neglect prior to the disaster. Observations from local officials suggested that the buildings were showing visible cracks and signs of deterioration, raising questions about their safety. The Fez prefecture has yet to issue an official statement regarding the cause of the collapse, but initial assessments indicate a long-standing lack of maintenance.

This incident has sparked widespread shock and anger among the local community, particularly as it comes amid ongoing concerns regarding building safety in Morocco. In recent years, the country has experienced multiple similar building collapses, including a tragic event in Casablanca’s old city in October and another occurrence in Fes earlier in May, which resulted in nine fatalities.

The Moroccan government has committed to addressing unsafe structures, having identified over 12,000 buildings in Marrakech and surrounding areas as vulnerable. Many of these buildings were further weakened by the powerful Al Haouz earthquake that struck in September 2023.

The timing of this tragedy coincides with heightened tensions in Fes, which recently saw protests concerning deteriorating living conditions and public services. These protests, largely driven by young people, have resulted in significant unrest across the city and beyond.

As investigations into the cause of the collapse proceed, focus is likely to be on the structural integrity of the buildings and whether local authorities were alerted to the dangers prior to the incident. Rescue operations are ongoing, with families anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones still unaccounted for.