Neighbor urges inspections after deadly building collapses kill 22 in Fez

At least 22 individuals were reported deceased following the collapse of two four-story residential buildings in Fez, Morocco. This incident, occurring on Tue, Oct 10, 2023, marks the second fatal building collapse in the city this year.

The buildings, which accommodated eight families, unexpectedly collapsed late Tuesday night. Sixteen survivors were extracted from the debris and admitted to a nearby hospital for medical care, as reported by official sources. Search and rescue operations persisted into the morning, with authorities also undertaking the evacuation of adjacent areas.

Residents expressed concern over building safety, urging authorities to conduct inspections of surrounding structures to prevent future incidents.

The precise cause of the building collapse remains unidentified, and information regarding the number of individuals still missing has not been disclosed.

Fez, recognized as Morocco's third-largest city, is slated to host matches for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations and is one of the venues selected for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The city is characterized by a mix of historic architecture and impoverished neighborhoods, where deteriorating infrastructure is prevalent.

In a previous incident in May, a separate building collapse in Fez resulted in 10 fatalities and seven injuries. The affected building was reportedly scheduled for evacuation.

Concerns have been raised about inconsistent enforcement of building codes across Morocco, particularly in older urban areas. These issues have been highlighted in recent protests, where citizens have called for improvements in housing safety, as well as enhanced healthcare and education services.

Based on reporting by Africanews.