Fez Building Collapse Kills 19, Sparks Safety Concerns

Nineteen people were killed and 16 others injured when two four-storey residential buildings collapsed overnight in Morocco’s city of Fez, authorities said on Wednesday.

The buildings, which housed eight families, crumbled in one of the city’s older neighbourhoods. Rescue teams are continuing their search for potential survivors, while the surrounding area has been evacuated as a precaution. Officials have yet to determine the cause of the collapse or confirm how many residents remain missing.

Fez, known for its historic medina, bustling souks, and centuries-old tanneries, is also one of the host cities for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Despite its cultural significance, large parts of the city suffer from ageing infrastructure, and building collapses have become an ongoing concern.

In May, a similar incident killed 10 people in a building that had already been slated for evacuation. Experts warn that lax enforcement of building codes, particularly in older and densely populated areas, continues to put residents at risk.

Public frustration over such incidents has grown in recent years, with citizens criticising gaps in essential services while significant funds are allocated to stadium construction and major events.

The latest collapse is the second deadly building accident in Fez this year, underscoring persistent worries over urban safety and infrastructure oversight in Morocco.