19 Dead as Buildings Collapse in Morocco; "Long-Standing Cracks" Ignored, Say Reports

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At least 19 people have been killed and several others injured after two residential buildings collapsed in Fez, Morocco, triggering frantic overnight rescue operations and renewed anger over unsafe housing conditions. The deadly incident occurred shortly after midnight, turning a quiet neighborhood into a scene of devastation.

Rescue teams, including police and civil protection units, rushed to the scene as residents and volunteers joined desperate efforts to pull survivors from the rubble using bare hands and basic tools.

Dozens Hurt, Families Buried Under Rubble

According to the state news agency MAP, at least 16 people were injured and rushed to the university hospital centre in Fez, with some reported to be in critical condition. The two buildings were believed to be housing at least eight families at the time of the tragedy.

Videos shared on social media showed chaotic scenes, with emergency lights cutting through the dust as neighbors frantically dug through debris to reach trapped victims.

"Visible Cracks" and Ignored Warnings

While authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the collapse, state broadcaster SNRT reported that preliminary assessments are damning. The buildings reportedly had visible cracks and long-standing signs of structural deterioration. Despite clear warnings, no effective preventive action was taken.

This tragedy has revived painful memories of previous disasters in the region. In October last year, a fatal collapse occurred in Casablanca’s old medina, while a similar disaster in Fez in May killed nine people. These repeated incidents have intensified public pressure on authorities to address the crumbling infrastructure.

Earthquake Damage and Unsafe Housing Crisis

The collapse highlights a broader crisis in Morocco's housing sector. Authorities have previously identified more than 12,000 vulnerable buildings in Marrakech and surrounding regions, many of which were further weakened by the powerful Al Haouz earthquake in September 2023.

Despite official promises to address these risks, progress has been slow, leaving thousands of families living in potential death traps.

Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople

As the death toll rises in Fez, the grief is compounded by frustration. This was a tragedy that many believe could have been prevented. The focus now shifts from rescue to accountability, as citizens demand to know why known risks were ignored until it was too late.