Over 20 Dead in Tragic House Collapse in Morocco: What Went Wrong?

In the Moroccan city of Fès, the collapse of two residential buildings has resulted in a tragic loss of life, with at least 22 people confirmed dead and 16 others injured, some critically, according to official reports. Rescue teams are actively searching through the debris for possible survivors and additional victims.

State media outlet MAP reported that eight families were residing in the two adjacent four-story buildings located in the Al-Moustakbal district. Following the incident, authorities evacuated nearby buildings as a precaution. However, details regarding the collapse’s cause have yet to be disclosed.

Reuters cited the Moroccan news website SNRT, which suggested that the collapsed buildings had shown signs of structural damage, including cracks, for some time. These reports, however, have not been officially confirmed.

Chronic Infrastructure Issues in Morocco

Many parts of Morocco, including Fès, face urgent needs for infrastructure renewal. Due to aging buildings and lax enforcement of regulations, the country has witnessed several deadly collapses. For instance, a building collapse in Fès last May killed nine people, despite prior evacuation orders. Notably, the buildings involved in the recent incident were not located in the historic Medina district, known for its tourist appeal but also for the vulnerability of its ancient structures.

Fès, Morocco’s third-largest city, is set to host matches during the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in just two weeks and is also a planned venue for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The city was also a focal point for nationwide protests two months ago, where mostly young demonstrators decried poor living conditions, poverty, and inadequate public services. This is in stark contrast to the government’s focus on major projects like constructing modern stadiums.

Report by Stefan Ehlert, ARD Rabat