22 Dead as Building Collapse Rocks Moroccan City of Fez

Fez: A devastating building collapse in Fez, Morocco's third-largest city, has claimed the lives of 22 people, including children, and left 16 others injured. The two adjacent four-story buildings, housing eight families, collapsed overnight, prompting an urgent search and rescue operation.

According to authorities, the injured were rushed to hospital, and the neighbourhood has been evacuated. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collapse, with reports suggesting that additional floors may have been added to the structures, potentially violating building codes.

The tragedy has raised concerns about Morocco's aging infrastructure and lax enforcement of building regulations, particularly in ancient cities like Fez, where cinderblock homes are common. This incident is the second fatal collapse in Fez this year, following a May incident that killed 10 people and injured seven.

Fez, a city known for its medieval souks and walled city, is currently hosting the Africa Cup of Nations and will also host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. However, the city struggles with rapid population growth, putting a strain on its infrastructure.

The Moroccan government has launched an investigation into the collapse, and authorities are working to provide support to the affected families. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing building safety and enforcing regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.

This tragedy has sparked renewed debate about housing safety in Morocco, with approximately 38,800 buildings classified as being at risk of collapse nationwide. The collapse is one of the worst in Morocco since 2010, when a minaret fell in Meknes, killing 41 people.