Death Toll Climbs as Authorities Launch Investigation

The city of Fes, located in northern Morocco, has been shaken by a devastating building collapse that has resulted in the tragic loss of 14 lives. The incident, which occurred on Thursday morning, has prompted local authorities to initiate a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this catastrophic event.

According to reports from local sources, the tragic collapse took place in the Ain Naqbi neighborhood of the Jinan El Ward district in Fes. Initially, reports indicated that four people had died and six others were injured. However, as rescue teams worked tirelessly to recover victims from the rubble, the death toll climbed to 14, with six additional individuals suffering various degrees of injuries.

Emergency medical services quickly responded to the scene, transporting a total of 15 casualties, including both deceased and injured, to the regional El Ghassani Hospital. In a concerning development, five individuals were reported to be in critical condition and are currently receiving intensive medical care at the Hassan II University Hospital in Fes.

The search and rescue operations have now concluded, as the civil protection teams confirmed that there are no further survivors trapped under the debris, ending hours of continuous efforts to locate potential victims. The building, which was comprised of a basement and four upper floors, collapsed completely, leading to widespread grief and shock within the community.

The public prosecutor's office in Fes has announced the initiation of a comprehensive judicial inquiry following this tragic event. The inquiry aims to uncover the underlying causes of the building collapse and to establish accountability for any negligence that may have contributed to this disaster. The public prosecutor emphasized the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations to protect the lives of citizens, asserting a commitment to holding responsible parties accountable.

In a separate development, the Moroccan Ministry of Urban Planning and Housing had previously acknowledged the urgent need for a proactive and collaborative strategy to address the issues associated with buildings at risk of collapse, targeting a resolution by 2030.

As reported by trtarabi.com.