On May 21, 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Fez, Morocco, where a residential building collapsed, resulting in the loss of nine lives. In addition to the fatalities, several individuals sustained injuries of varying severity. This updated provisional report has been released by the Moroccan Public Prosecutor's Office, which has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
The Attorney General at the Appeals Court of Salé has mandated a "thorough and precise judicial investigation" to ascertain all the details related to this incident and to identify any individuals who may bear responsibility. The statement emphasized the prosecutor's absolute commitment to rigorously enforce the law and take decisive action against anyone whose accountability in this devastating event is established.
In response to the incident, the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) expressed its "great concern" regarding the situation, extending condolences to the families of the victims. The CNDH lamented that the recurrence of such tragedies represents a "direct violation of the right to adequate housing." In their statement, they called for the implementation of an integrated national strategy aimed at preventing such accidents, enhancing coordination among relevant authorities, and urged the public to adhere to construction regulations.
The catastrophic event took place in the early hours of Thursday when a four-story residential building collapsed in the Al Yarandi neighborhood of the Jnan el Ouarad district. Fez has experienced several similar building collapses in recent years, particularly in poorer neighborhoods. Notably, in December of the previous year, 21 people lost their lives when two residential buildings collapsed in the Al Massira area, prompting an investigation by the prosecutor's office that led to multiple arrests.
As reported by holanews.com.
