Death Toll Climbs Following Fès Building Collapse
In a heartbreaking development following the building collapse in Fès, Morocco, the death toll has tragically risen to 15, as confirmed by medical sources on Friday, May 22, 2026. The fatalities included two individuals who succumbed to their injuries shortly after being admitted to Hassan II University Hospital. Reports indicate that among the deceased are also children, adding to the profound sorrow experienced by the community. In addition to the fatalities, five more individuals were injured during the incident, though their conditions have been reported as stable. One of the injured was in close proximity to the building at the time of the collapse, highlighting the suddenness and severity of the disaster.
The search and rescue operations were officially concluded on Friday, following the assurance from disaster response teams that no additional individuals were trapped under the rubble. The catastrophic event occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 21, 2026, around 3:30 AM, when the building, which comprised a basement, four floors, and an attic, unexpectedly collapsed. Out of the eleven residential units within the structure, eight were occupied at the time, and the collapse was accompanied by a loud noise, alarming residents throughout the neighborhood.
Calls for Accountability and Structural Safety
In light of the imminent risk of further collapses, two neighboring buildings displaying significant cracks in their walls were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Experts and local residents have raised concerns regarding moisture infiltration into poorly insulated foundations, which can severely compromise the structural integrity of older concrete constructions. This tragic incident has sparked a heated debate in the city regarding the safety of building structures in historic working-class neighborhoods. As reported by maghreb-post.de, there is mounting pressure on local authorities to tighten regulations and inspections for buildings at risk of collapse.
The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) has called for a transparent investigation into the incident, urging for the results to be published to ensure accountability. The council also emphasized the need for strict enforcement of urban planning laws. Consequently, the relevant public prosecutor's office has initiated a judicial inquiry to ascertain the precise circumstances and causes of this tragedy. The Attorney General has pledged to take stringent action against any individuals deemed responsible for negligence related to the construction or maintenance of the building.
Residents in Ain Nokbi have expressed their concerns regarding the structural condition of other homes in the area, demanding urgent measures to relocate at-risk families and prevent similar disasters from occurring in the future.
