Moroco Fez 11, Decemeber At least 22 people have been killed and 16 others injured after two residential buildings collapsed in the historic Moroccan city of Fez, authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The deadly incident occurred late Tuesday in the Al-Mustaqbal neighbourhood, a densely populated area in the western part of the city.

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The two adjacent four-storey structures, which housed several families, gave way suddenly, trapping residents under the debris. Local rescue teams, supported by civil protection units and heavy machinery, worked through the night searching for survivors and recovering victims. Officials warned that the casualty figures could rise as search operations continue. The Star

Details of the Collapse

According to local prosecutors, one of the buildings was occupied at the time of the collapse, while the neighbouring structure was reportedly empty. The tragedy struck during a time when several residents were inside, including women and children, contributing to the high number of fatalities. Those injured were rushed to the University Hospital Centre of Fez, where some remain in serious condition. The Star

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and shock as neighbours and emergency workers combed through the rubble, often with their bare hands, hoping to find survivors. Social media footage from the site showed columns of dust and frantic rescue efforts continuing into the early hours.

Response and Investigation

Moroccan authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the collapse. Preliminary reports suggest that the buildings, constructed in 2006 under housing development initiatives, may have shown signs of structural weakness prior to the disaster. However, officials have not publicly confirmed the exact factors that led to the failure.

The governor of Fez has ordered heightened inspections of similar buildings across the city to prevent further tragedies. Safety officials also evacuated nearby residences as a precautionary measure while structural integrity assessments are underway.

Historical Context and Public Reaction

Fez, Morocco’s third-largest city and a key cultural and historical centre, has experienced similar incidents in recent years. In May, another building in the city collapsed, resulting in multiple fatalities. These recurring events have intensified public concern over the safety of aging infrastructure, particularly in older urban districts.

The tragedy has sparked national mourning and prompted calls from community leaders for more stringent building regulations and better enforcement of construction standards to protect vulnerable residents.