Tragedy in Fez: Building Collapse Claims Lives Amid Concerns Over Infrastructure

In Fez, Morocco, two buildings collapsed, killing at least 22 and injuring 16. One was unoccupied, and the other hosted a child's birth celebration. Cracks had been reported prior to the collapse. An investigation is underway, amidst broader protests against poor living conditions in the city.

In a devastating incident, two adjacent buildings collapsed overnight in Fez, one of Morocco's oldest cities, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 22 lives and injuring 16 others, officials reported on Wednesday. The buildings, one of which was unoccupied, were located in a densely populated district.

The occupied building was hosting an Aqiqah, a traditional Muslim celebration for the birth of a child, when it collapsed. Local authorities have commenced an investigation, noting the preliminary nature of the death toll. According to state TV, both buildings had shown signs of structural weaknesses.

This tragedy has further inflamed existing tensions over deteriorating living conditions, which have sparked recent anti-government protests. Concerns have been mounting over the state of infrastructure, with housing officials highlighting thousands of at-risk buildings across Morocco, underscoring the need for urgent intervention.

(With inputs from agencies.)