Two four-story buildings in Fez, Morocco collapsed overnight, resulting in the tragic deaths of 19 individuals, marking the second fatal collapse in the city this year, as confirmed by authorities on Wednesday. According to Morocco’s state news agency, the collapsed residential buildings accommodated eight families, with 16 people sustaining injuries and receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital. The affected neighborhood has been evacuated, and search and rescue operations are currently underway.
The cause of the collapse remains unknown, and the number of individuals unaccounted for as of Wednesday morning is yet to be determined. The injured individuals have been relocated to the University Hospital Centre for further treatment.
Fez, the third-largest city in Morocco, is currently preparing to host the Africa Cup of Nations this month and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Renowned for its historic walled city featuring vibrant souks and tanneries, Fez also faces challenges due to its status as one of the country’s economically disadvantaged urban areas, characterized by aging infrastructure prevalent in various neighborhoods.
A previous building collapse in May resulted in the loss of 10 lives and injuries to seven individuals in a building that had been identified for evacuation beforehand, as reported by Moroccan outlet Le360. In 2016, the city experienced two fatal building collapses within a week.
Enforcement of building codes in Morocco, particularly in ancient cities with aging multi-family residences, is often lax. The lack of regulation has raised concerns, especially in light of the inadequate provision of basic services. Recent protests in the country highlighted the government’s prioritization of new sports facilities over addressing fundamental issues such as healthcare, education, and other public services.
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