Morocco building collapse death toll rises to 22

Alsharq Tribune-AFP 

The death toll from the collapse of two residential buildings in the Moroccan city of Fez has risen to 22, the public prosecutor said on Wednesday, revising an earlier figure of 19.

The incident occurred late on Tuesday in the Al-Mustaqbal neighbourhood when an unoccupied building collapsed, triggering the collapse of an adjacent four-story structure, the prosecutor said. The second building was hosting a traditional Aqiqah celebration marking a birth.

Women and children were among the victims. Sixteen other people were injured, with some in serious condition. Authorities said the toll could rise as rescue operations continue.

Judicial police have opened an investigation under the supervision of the public prosecutor to determine the cause of the collapse. Preliminary findings show the two buildings were constructed in 2006.

Local officials said the structures were built under so-called "self-construction" schemes for residents of the Ain Smen area as part of the "Fez, City Without Slums" program.

The disaster has renewed concerns over building safety in Morocco. In January, Secretary of State for Housing Adib Ben Ibrahim said about 38,800 buildings nationwide were at risk of collapse.

Fez, Morocco's third-largest city, has seen protests in recent months over poor living conditions and public services. The collapse is among the deadliest building accidents in the country since a minaret fell in the historic city of Meknes in 2010, killing 41 people.