At least 19 people have died after two four-storey residential buildings collapsed overnight in the Moroccan city of Fes, authorities said on Wednesday. Morocco’s state news agency reported that the adjoining structures housed eight families. At least 16 survivors were pulled from the rubble and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The collapse is the second major building disaster to hit the city this year.
Emergency workers continued search and rescue operations through Wednesday morning as officials evacuated the surrounding neighborhood. Authorities said it remained unclear what triggered the collapse or how many residents were still unaccounted for.
Sports venue for big events
Fes is Morocco’s second-largest city and it will be co-hosting this month’s Africa Cup of Nations and is among the venues selected for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. While globally known for its ancient walled medina, vibrant souks and historic tanneries, the city also grapples with deep socioeconomic challenges, news agency AP reported.
Many of its older neighborhoods are marked by deteriorating infrastructure and aging multifamily buildings.
Last collapse in May killed 10
In May, another building collapse in the city killed 10 people and injured seven. Local media reported that the structure had already been slated for evacuation.
Such issues have fueled public frustration. Earlier this year, nationwide protests highlighted concerns over inadequate basic services. Demonstrators criticised the government for prioritising major stadium construction over investments in health care, education and urban safety.