In a tragic incident that has shocked the Moroccan city of Fez, a four-storey building collapsed overnight, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals and leaving six others injured, as reported by local authorities on Thursday. This unfortunate event took place approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) east of the capital city, Rabat. Initial reports by state media suggested a higher death toll of eleven; however, this figure was later corrected by officials, indicating the need for accurate information in the wake of such disasters.
The search for potential survivors or victims still trapped beneath the rubble continues, with local media broadcasting harrowing footage of rescue teams and residents working tirelessly to dig through the debris. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse, and as a precautionary measure, residents of nearby buildings have been urged to evacuate in order to prevent any further tragedies stemming from potential additional collapses.
Fez, known for its rich history and as a former capital dating back to the eighth century, is the third-most-populous city in Morocco. Unfortunately, this is not the first time the city has experienced such calamities; recent months have seen similar incidents, including a devastating collapse in December that resulted in the loss of at least 22 lives. In a related note, a catastrophic event in 2010 in the historic northern city of Meknes led to the death of 41 individuals when a minaret collapsed.
Adib Ben Ibrahim, the secretary of state for housing, highlighted concerns regarding building safety in the country, announcing last year that approximately 38,800 buildings had been classified as at risk of collapse, raising alarms about the structural integrity of many urban areas across Morocco. The ongoing situation in Fez serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive assessments and renovations of potentially hazardous structures to safeguard the lives of residents.
As reported by middle-east-online.com.
