Morocco Building Collapse in Fez Leaves 22 Dead Amid Warnings of Structural Damage
At least 22 people lost their lives late on Tuesday when two residential buildings collapsed in Fez, one of Morocco’s most historic cities and a major destination for visitors from around the world. State media reported that the structures had shown clear signs of cracking and deterioration long before the tragedy occurred, raising questions about building safety and oversight in densely populated urban neighborhoods.
According to information from local authorities, the two adjacent four storey buildings were located in the Al Mustaqbal neighborhood, a busy district in the western part of Fez. The structures were home to eight families and were part of an older residential block that had been experiencing visible wear. Reports from the state news agency MAP indicated that concerns had been raised in the past about structural instability, though the extent of any formal inspections remains unclear.
Residents in the area said they heard loud rumbling noises shortly before the collapse, followed by clouds of dust and cries for help. Emergency crews arrived quickly and worked through the night, pulling survivors from the debris and searching for those who remained trapped. Despite their efforts, the death toll climbed steadily as teams reached deeper layers of the rubble.
State broadcaster coverage highlighted long standing issues surrounding neglected buildings in older Moroccan cities, where rapid urban expansion and limited maintenance budgets have left many structures vulnerable. Fez, known for its ancient architecture and narrow alleys, faces particular challenges as modern housing pressures intersect with historic urban layouts. Many local residents said the collapsing buildings had cracks for years, with walls visibly weakening and small pieces of plaster occasionally falling.
Authorities have yet to release full details about the victims, though local reports suggest several families were asleep when the buildings gave way. Survivors described the moment as terrifying and sudden, saying they had little time to react before floors and walls began caving in. Relatives gathered outside the site throughout the day, some searching for news and others participating in prayers for the deceased.
Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse and whether earlier warnings about structural problems were ignored or inadequately addressed. Urban safety experts in Morocco say the disaster underscores the need for more systematic inspections, stronger enforcement of maintenance rules and clearer communication between local governments and residents living in aging structures. They also noted that similar incidents in the past have led to calls for renovation programs that often progress slowly due to funding and logistical hurdles.
The Fez prefecture authorities said they will assist affected families and coordinate temporary housing and support services. As the city mourns those who died, attention is shifting toward preventing future tragedies and ensuring that buildings showing signs of damage receive prompt evaluation and reinforcement.
