Morocco Tragedy: 22 Lives Lost as 2 Buildings Collapse — 7 Urgent Updates on Ongoing Rescue Operations
A deadly tragedy struck Morocco as 22 people were killed after two buildings collapsed
At least 22 people were killed and 16 others injured when two adjacent buildings collapsed overnight in Fez, one of Morocco’s oldest and most densely populated cities, officials said on Wednesday. According to the Fez prosecutor, one of the four-storey buildings was unoccupied, while the other was hosting an Aqiqah ceremony, a traditional Muslim celebration marking the birth of a child, when it came crashing down.
Authorities warned that the death toll is preliminary, with rescue workers still pulling victims from the rubble. A judicial investigation has been opened, alongside a technical probe to determine what caused the structures to fail.
Eight families lived in the building where the celebration was taking place. Heart-wrenching accounts emerged from survivors, including a man who told Medi1 TV that he had lost his wife and three children. “They retrieved one body I’m still waiting for the others,” he said through tears.
State broadcaster SNRT News aired footage of frantic rescue teams and residents digging through debris with whatever tools they could find. One elderly woman, wrapped in a blanket, recalled the terrifying moment the collapse began. “My son who lives upstairs told me the building is coming down. When we went out, we saw the building collapsing,” she told reporters.
Witnesses said the structures in the Al-Mustaqbal neighbourhood, a crowded district in western Fez, had shown cracks for some time. The buildings, constructed in 2006 under a government scheme that allowed residents of local shantytowns to build their own homes on allocated plots, had reportedly been deteriorating.
Authorities noted that Wednesday’s disaster is one of the deadliest building collapses in Morocco in the past 15 years, surpassed only by the 2010 Meknes tragedy, when a minaret collapse killed 41 people.
Fez, a former imperial capital dating back to the eighth century, has recently been a focal point of public anger. The city was among several that witnessed anti-government protests two months ago over worsening living conditions and poor public services. Housing Secretary of State Adib Ben Ibrahim said earlier this year that nearly 38,800 buildings across Morocco have been classified as being at risk of collapse, highlighting a nationwide crisis.
The tragedy also casts a shadow over Morocco’s preparations for major upcoming sporting events. Fez is scheduled to host matches for the 2030 FIFA World Cup and the African Cup of Nations this month, even as many of its neighbourhoods remain among the poorest in the country.
A devastating tragedy unfolded in Morocco when two residential buildings collapsed, claiming the lives of 22 people and leaving several others trapped under the rubble. The catastrophic incident has sent shockwaves across the nation and prompted an immediate emergency response. As rescue teams work tirelessly to locate survivors, authorities are investigating the cause of the deadly structural failure. Here is a detailed breakdown of the incident, the ongoing rescue operations, and what we know so far.
Residents were jolted by a thunderous sound as the multi-storey structures crumbled within seconds. Eyewitnesses reported seeing massive clouds of dust fill the air while people screamed and ran for safety. Many families were asleep or indoors at the time, making the disaster even more deadly.
The buildings, located in a densely populated neighborhood, housed dozens of families. Initial reports indicate that several individuals remain unaccounted for, heightening fears that the death toll could rise further.
Local authorities have confirmed that 22 people have died in the collapse. Rescue workers recovered bodies through night-long operations marked by dust, debris, and unstable structures. Medical teams are stationed at the site to assist in the immediate identification of victims and support grieving families.
Rescue teams, including firefighters, civil protection units, and volunteers, are working round-the-clock. Sniffer dogs, thermal cameras, and heavy machinery have been deployed to identify survivors who may still be trapped. Every minute is crucial, and teams are removing debris layer by layer to avoid further collapses or injuring trapped individuals.
Moroccan authorities have intensified emergency protocols in the region. Additional rescue units from nearby cities have been mobilized to speed up operations. Medical tents, emergency shelters, and trauma support services are functioning near the site.
While the immediate focus remains on saving lives, authorities have initiated a preliminary investigation into the cause of the collapse. Early findings suggest possible structural weaknesses or overloaded foundations, but officials have not ruled out negligence or unauthorized construction. Engineers and forensic experts are analyzing construction materials and reviewing permits related to the buildings.
Local residents have come together to provide food, water, blankets, and emotional support to affected families. Volunteers are assisting emergency teams by distributing supplies and helping with makeshift shelters. The tragedy has united the community in grief and resilience.
The Moroccan government has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and assured strict action against anyone found responsible. Officials have emphasized that safety regulations must be enforced more rigorously to prevent such incidents in the future.
Engineers have warned that surrounding structures may also be at risk, as the ground beneath the collapsed buildings appears unstable. Authorities have cordoned off the area and evacuated nearby families to prevent further casualties.
The collapse has left Morocco shaken. Families of the victims are devastated, and the entire region remains on edge as rescue operations continue under challenging conditions. As the country awaits clearer answers, the immediate priority remains locating survivors and providing relief to the affected.
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