Local authorities in the Moroccan city of Fez have reported a provisional death toll of 19 and 16 injured following the collapse of two buildings on the night of December 9-10.
The number of victims could rise as the search for posible survivors continue.
On Monday night, two four-storey residential buildings collapsed in the Al-Moustakbal neighbourhood, within the Al-Massira urban area of Fez.
According to an official source within the local authorities, rescue operations “are underway without interruption”. The security services, and civil protection teams were mobilised immediately after
the incident.
A security cordon has been established around the rubble to secure the area and allow specialised teams to comb the mounds of collapsed masonry.
Residents of neighbouring buildings have been evacuated as a precaution, given the risk of a chain reaction of collapses or ground instability.
The injured were transferred to the University Hospital Center of Fez, where they received examinations and emergency treatment.
According to a medical source, several victims suffered crush injuries and require monitoring. Search operations are still underway, with rescuers meticulously combing the collapsed structures to locate any people trapped under the rubble.
Authorities state that all necessary resources have been deployed to expedite the operations, while proceeding cautiously to avoid any further risks.
A technical investigation will determine the causes of the collapse, as the neighbourhood contains several older buildings whose structural condition had already raised concerns among residents.
Local authorities indicated that an expert report will be prepared as soon as the rescue operations are completed.
MK/ac/Sf/fss/as/APA