Fatal Building Collapse in Fez Kills 20, Highlights Morocco’s Urban Safety Crisis

A tragic building collapse has shaken the historic city of Fez, Morocco. Two adjacent four-story buildings crumbled overnight. The disaster has killed at least twenty people and injured sixteen others.The incident is the second fatal collapse in the city this year. It has raised urgent questions about building safety and aging infrastructure. According to Morocco’s state news agency MAP, the structures housed eight families.

Search Efforts and Investigation Underway After Deadly Incident

Emergency crews worked through the night on search and rescue. The surrounding neighborhood was evacuated for safety. Authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the collapse.The exact number of people missing remains unclear. The buildings were reportedly constructed in 2006. They were part of a national “City Without Slums” initiative.Fez is a major cultural center and a host for upcoming international football tournaments. However, rapid urban growth often outpaces regulation enforcement. Aging construction is a common problem in its dense, historic quarters.

Recurring Tragedy Points to Systemic Infrastructure Issues

This is not an isolated event. A similar collapse in Fez last May resulted in ten deaths. Such accidents are tragically frequent in many Moroccan cities.Building codes are often not strictly enforced, especially in older areas. Reports from local media suggest unauthorized additions may have compromised the structures. This highlights a gap between construction rules and real-world practice.The tragedy has cast a spotlight on public investment priorities. Earlier this year, protests criticized spending on new stadiums over basic public services. Infrastructure inequality remains a pressing national issue.

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The recent building collapse in Fez is a stark reminder of the human cost of infrastructure neglect. It underscores a critical need for enforced safety standards across Morocco’s growing urban centers.

Thought you’d like to know

What caused the buildings to collapse in Fez?

The exact cause is under official investigation. Initial reports suggest the buildings, built in 2006, may have had unauthorized additional floors added, which could have compromised their structural integrity.

How many people were affected by the collapse?

Authorities confirm at least 20 people were killed and 16 others were injured. The buildings were home to eight families, and search operations continued for potential missing persons.

Has this happened in Fez before?

Yes. A separate building collapse occurred in the same city in May of this year. That incident killed 10 people and injured seven, according to reports from Moroccan news outlet Le360.

What is being done for the survivors and families?

The injured were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The neighborhood was evacuated, and authorities are leading the emergency response and investigation into the disaster.

Why do building collapses happen in Morocco?

Experts cite rapid urban growth, aging infrastructure, and sometimes lax enforcement of building codes. Unauthorized modifications to existing structures are also a recurring risk factor.