22 Dead After Buildings Collapse in Morocco’s Fes; Massive Rescue Effort Underway

Tragedy struck Morocco on 10 December 2025, when two adjacent buildings collapsed in the heart of Fes, one of the country’s most historic and densely populated cities.
The disaster has left at least 22 people dead and several others badly injured, with emergency teams still searching the debris for survivors.

Authorities say the death toll could rise as search-and-rescue operations continue into the night.

What Happened?

According to Morocco’s state news agency and eyewitness accounts:

Two multi-story residential buildings, located in the old medina area of Fes, suddenly crumbled in the early morning hours.
Residents were asleep during the collapse, increasing the number of casualties.
Nearby structures were also damaged due to the impact.

The buildings were located in a centuries-old neighborhood known for narrow streets, fragile foundations, and high population density.

🚨 Rescue Operations Underway

Emergency responders, firefighters, and volunteers rushed to the scene and have been working continuously to locate survivors.

Challenges faced by rescue teams:

Narrow, congested streets blocking large machinery
Fragile surrounding buildings posing risk of further collapse
Difficulty in accessing lower floors buried under heavy debris
Lack of visibility and instability during night operations

Rescue workers are using:

Manual tools
Sniffer dogs
Thermal scanners
Drones equipped with cameras

Officials say every minute counts in the ongoing search for survivors.

Injured Victims in Critical Condition

At least 16 people were injured, several of them critically.
They have been taken to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment.

Medical teams report:

Severe fractures
Internal injuries
Smoke inhalation
Trauma-related conditions

Authorities have mobilized additional medical staff and resources to manage the crisis.

Why Did the Buildings Collapse?

Initial investigations point to structural deterioration as a likely cause.

Factors being examined:

Age and condition of the buildings
Possible illegal construction or add-ons
Weak foundations due to humidity and erosion
Lack of maintenance in the old medina
Recent heavy rains that may have weakened support structures

Officials emphasize that full forensic analysis is still needed.

Historic Fes: A Beautiful but Vulnerable City

Fes is one of Morocco’s oldest and most culturally significant cities.
However, many buildings in its ancient medina:

Are more than 300–400 years old
Have not been reinforced for modern safety standards
Are made from traditional materials like clay and wood

Urban planners have long warned that parts of the medina are vulnerable to structural failure.

Government Response

Morocco’s interior ministry has:

Launched a full investigation
Ordered structural assessments of nearby buildings
Provided emergency housing for displaced residents
Deployed national disaster response teams

Local authorities have cordoned off the area to prevent further accidents.

High-ranking officials are expected to visit the site.

Global & Regional Reactions

International disaster-response organizations expressed condolences and offered support.
Several African and Middle Eastern nations have also sent messages of solidarity.

Social media is flooded with:

Videos of the collapse
Images of rescue efforts
Messages calling for better urban safety measures

Stories From Survivors

Heartbreaking eyewitness accounts have emerged:

A woman said she lost three family members who were sleeping when the building collapsed.
A young boy was pulled from the rubble after being trapped for hours.
Neighbors described hearing “a loud rumble” before walls crumbled.

Many residents are still waiting anxiously for news of missing loved ones.

Infrastructure Concerns in North Africa

This tragedy has reignited debates on:

Building safety in aging cities
Need for urban regeneration projects
Enforcement of construction laws

Experts warn that similar historic cities in Morocco — including Marrakech and Tangier — face comparable risks.

What Happens Next?

Authorities are expected to:

Conduct structural audits across the old medina
Relocate families from dangerous buildings
Implement stricter renovation guidelines
Review compliance failures

Long-term infrastructure investment may also be necessary to prevent such tragedies from recurring.

Conclusion

The collapse of two buildings in Morocco’s historic city of Fes has resulted in a devastating loss of life, leaving families shattered and a community in mourning. As rescue teams continue their search and investigations begin, the tragedy highlights the urgent need for structural upgrades and safety reforms in aging urban areas.

With the death toll already at 22, the nation stands united in grief — and in demanding improvements to ensure such preventable disasters do not occur again.