Tragic Incident in Fes
The Moroccan public prosecutor's office confirmed on Friday that the death toll from the collapse of a residential building in Fes has risen to 15, including two young girls. This unfortunate event occurred late Thursday night, prompting immediate investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The prosecutor's office has mandated a thorough judicial inquiry to uncover the causes and determine potential responsibilities of those involved in this catastrophe.
Details of the Collapse
According to sources from the prosecutor's office, the incident, which took place on May 21, 2026, has left five individuals hospitalized with injuries, while the search operations have concluded with the identification of all victims. Initially, the authorities had reported nine fatalities, but further investigations revealed that five missing persons were discovered dead, and a sixth victim succumbed to injuries in the hospital. Among those confirmed dead were two children, adding to the heart-wrenching nature of this disaster.
This incident follows a similar tragedy from the previous year, where 22 individuals lost their lives due to the collapse of two adjacent buildings in the same city, marking one of the worst construction-related disasters in recent Moroccan history. In April, local media reported that the prosecutor's office had found evidence of illegal construction practices, including the addition of unauthorized floors, leading to an investigation involving 21 individuals.
Concerns over corruption often arise in the aftermath of such incidents, especially regarding the adherence to building regulations and safety standards. Just last year, another building collapse in Fes resulted in nine deaths, highlighting a recurring issue within the region.
As reported by france24.com.