MOROCCO — At least 19 people were killed and 16 others injured after two four-storey buildings collapsed overnight in the city of Fez, Morocco’s official news agency, Maghreb Arabe Press (MAP), reported on Wednesday. Rescue teams are continuing search operations, hoping to find potential survivors trapped under the rubble.
The collapsed buildings were located in the Al-Moustakbal neighbourhood of the Al-Massira area. Eight families lived in the structures. Early morning images showed emergency responders carrying bodies in grey body bags while residents watched anxiously. Workers used jackhammers, pickaxes, and mechanical excavators to clear the debris in a race against time. Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise as operations continue.
Safety measures were quickly implemented following the collapse. Surrounding areas were secured, and nearby buildings were evacuated to protect residents. The injured were transported to Fez’s University Hospital Centre for treatment.
This tragedy is among the deadliest building collapses in Morocco in recent years. In February last year, five people died when a house collapsed in Fez’s old city. In 2016, two deadly collapses occurred within a single week — one in Marrakech killed two children, while another four-storey building collapse left four dead and injured two dozen more. In 2014, three buildings collapsed in Casablanca, resulting in 23 deaths.
Authorities in Morocco have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse. They continue to examine structural and safety concerns while rescue teams work tirelessly. Local officials have urged residents to report any unsafe buildings to prevent further tragedies.
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As Morocco mourns this latest disaster, the incident highlights the ongoing challenges of urban safety and the importance of enforcing strict building regulations across the country.
