Morocco: 19 Dead in Fez Building Collapse as AFCON Approaches. Fez, Morocco — City, Country — A tragic incident occurred overnight in the Moroccan city of Fez, as two four-story buildings collapsed, resulting in the death of 19 people. This is the second fatal building collapse in Fez this year, following an earlier incident in May.
The authorities have evacuated the neighborhood and are conducting search and rescue operations. It remains unclear what caused the collapse or how many people may still be unaccounted for. Fez, Morocco’s third-largest city, is known for its historic walled city and is one of the hosts of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The area where the collapse occurred is one of the country’s poorest urban centers, where aging infrastructure is a common issue. Another building collapse in May resulted in 10 deaths and seven injuries, and it was reported that the building had been scheduled for evacuation. Building codes are often not enforced in Morocco, particularly in ancient cities where multifamily homes are prevalent.
The gaps in basic services have been a focal point of protests earlier this year, with demonstrators criticizing the government for investing in new stadiums rather than addressing inequality in health care, education, and other public services. Further details regarding the cause of the collapse and the status of the injured are expected to be released as the situation develops.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
