British Widow Files Lawsuit Against Marrakech Hotel After Husband's Fatal Spa Fire
A British widow has initiated legal proceedings in the High Court of the UK, seeking compensation exceeding £500,000 after her husband tragically lost his life in a fire that erupted at a five-star hotel spa in Marrakech. This incident, which unfolded in March 2023, occurred during a business trip to Morocco for Anthony Barnes, a 48-year-old man whose unfortunate demise was exacerbated by the fire's rapid spread and subsequent smoke inhalation. The fire not only claimed Barnes's life but also resulted in the death of a hotel staff member, prompting serious allegations against the hotel management regarding their safety protocols.
In the court documents, the widow, Rachel Barnes, accused the hotel of negligence, asserting that the establishment failed to install and maintain effective fire alarm systems, smoke detectors, emergency exit lighting, and other essential firefighting equipment. Additionally, she claimed that the materials used in the spa's construction were not fire-resistant and that the hotel authorities did not respond to the emergency swiftly enough, further exacerbating the situation.
The legal action follows a coroner's investigation in the UK, which concluded in October 2025 that Barnes's death was accidental. The report highlighted that the thick, acrid smoke in the spa severely impaired visibility and hindered rescue operations. In contrast, the hotel management has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the fire originated in the sauna area and that staff promptly activated the alarm while attempting to extinguish the flames and evacuate guests. They emphasized that the hotel complies with Moroccan laws and is equipped with an appropriate alarm system, emergency lighting, active surveillance cameras at entrances, and functional firefighting equipment. As of now, a date for the court hearing has not yet been established.
As reported by ar.yabiladi.com.
