A devastating incident struck Morocco on Wednesday, 10 December, when two adjoining four-storey residential buildings collapsed in the historic city of Fez. According to state media, the tragedy claimed at least 19 lives, including children, while 16 others were seriously injured. The accident occurred in the Al-Mustaqbal neighborhood — one of the oldest and most densely populated areas of the ancient city.

Authorities confirmed that the injured have been admitted to the University Hospital Center of Fez, where treatment is currently underway. Disturbing visuals circulating on social media show police teams, civil protection units and emergency responders working through the debris in a desperate rescue attempt.

Collapsed Buildings Housed Eight Families

Officials reported that the two buildings were home to eight families, many of whom were inside when the structures gave way. Many residents were trapped under the rubble, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation shortly after midnight.

Local administration, security forces and civil protection teams rapidly mobilized to the site and began clearing debris to locate survivors. The provincial authorities of Fez confirmed that the structures had not received proper maintenance for a long time, making them especially vulnerable.

Cracks and Structural Weakness Were Reported Earlier

Government broadcaster SNRT revealed that early investigations found visible cracks and signs of structural deterioration in both buildings. Despite warnings, no significant safety measures or evacuation protocols were implemented.

State broadcaster reports also noted that the buildings had shown “clear signs of instability” in recent months, raising fresh questions about monitoring and enforcement of housing safety norms in older neighborhoods.

The Interior Ministry has not released any official comment so far. International news agency Reuters said it could not independently verify the cause of the collapse or the full extent of the damage.

A City With a Troubled Safety History

The tragic collapse comes at a difficult time for Fez — a city dating back to the eighth century and once Morocco’s royal capital. In recent months, Fez has faced public unrest over deteriorating living conditions, rising unemployment and a decline in government services.

This is not the first time Fez has experienced such a disaster.
In February last year, a house collapsed in the city’s old district, killing five people.

Beyond Fez, Morocco has witnessed several structural tragedies in the past decade:

• In 2016, two deadly building collapses occurred within a week.

  • One in Marrakech killed two children.

  • Another four-storey building collapse resulted in four deaths and injured more than two dozen people.

Local media also reported that in 2023, the government declared more than 12,000 buildings in Marrakech and nearby regions as structurally weak. Officials noted that many of these structures may have become unstable after major earthquakes that struck the region the same year.

Protests and Housing Crisis Deepen Concerns

Only two months ago, Fez witnessed widespread protests over worsening living standards, poverty, poor infrastructure and inadequate public services. The latest tragedy has intensified concerns about urban safety management and the condition of aging residential structures in Morocco’s older cities.

Residents and community groups are now demanding stricter building inspections, stronger housing regulations and immediate measures to prevent further accidents in vulnerable neighborhoods.

As rescue efforts continue and authorities investigate the causes, the Fez building collapse stands as a painful reminder of Morocco’s ongoing struggle with structural safety, aging urban infrastructure and the urgent need for reforms to protect residents from future disasters.