A tragic building collapse in the Moroccan city of Fez has forced the evacuation of 22 families as authorities rush to secure the area and determine the cause of the disaster. Local officials said the move was necessary to safeguard residents and prevent any further danger following the deadly incident.
Two adjacent four-story buildings came crashing down overnight Tuesday, killing 22 people in what marks the second fatal collapse in the city this year. Emergency teams continued to comb through debris while technical assessments were launched to evaluate surrounding structures.
According to officials, a detailed inspection is underway to determine the extent of the structural damage and stability of neighboring buildings. The Public Laboratory for Tests and Studies has been engaged to conduct technical expertise and help uncover the exact cause of the collapse.
Families evacuated from the area are awaiting the results of these assessments before being allowed to return home. Authorities have opened an investigation, though it remains unclear how many people may still be unaccounted for.
Local reports suggest the buildings were constructed in 2006 under the “City Without Slums” initiative, raising fresh concerns about aging urban infrastructure in one of Morocco’s poorest major cities.
Fez — Morocco’s third-largest city and one of the hosts of this month’s Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup — is famous for its centuries-old medina and bustling souks. Yet behind its cultural heritage, the city continues to struggle with deteriorating structures and repeated construction-related tragedies.
