BREAKING: Tragedy Strikes Fes: At Least 19 Dead, 16 Injured in Overnight Collapse of Two Residential Buildings

A devastating structural failure rocked the historic city of Fes early this morning when two adjoining four-story residential buildings crumbled without warning, claiming at least 19 lives and injuring 16 others, according to Morocco's official state news agency, Maghreb Arab Press (MAP). The incident, which occurred around 10 p.m. local time on Tuesday in the densely populated Massira-Zouagha district's Al-Mustaqbal neighborhood, has left the community reeling and prompted urgent calls for inspections of aging infrastructure.

Emergency responders, including local fire brigades and civil protection teams, worked through the night sifting through tons of rubble under floodlights, with fears that the death toll could rise as search operations continue.

Among the confirmed fatalities are at least four children.

The injured, suffering from varying degrees of trauma including fractures and crush injuries, have been rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, with some in critical condition.The buildings, which housed eight families in total, were reportedly constructed decades ago and may have succumbed to long-term deterioration, a persistent issue in Fes, one of Morocco's oldest urban centers with a labyrinth of medieval medinas and aging housing stock.

Preliminary reports suggest no earthquake or external impact was involved, pointing instead to structural fragility exacerbated by poor maintenance and urban overcrowding.

This isn't the first such catastrophe in the city: Just seven months ago, in May 2025, a multi-story building in the Al-Hassani neighborhood collapsed, killing nine and injuring seven, sparking national debates on building safety.

That event led to government pledges for widespread assessments of at-risk structures, but critics argue enforcement has lagged. Moroccan authorities have launched an immediate investigation to pinpoint the exact cause and assign accountability, vowing to prevent future tragedies.

Interior Ministry officials coordinated the response, deploying heavy machinery for debris clearance and providing psychological support to survivors and grieving families. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with sniffer dogs and thermal imaging aiding the hunt for any remaining trapped individuals.

The collapse has reverberated beyond Fes, drawing condolences from international leaders and aid offers from neighboring countries. In a statement, King Mohammed VI expressed his "deep sorrow" and directed swift humanitarian aid to the affected families, including temporary housing and financial compensation.

Social media erupted with messages of solidarity under hashtags like #FesStrong, though real-time updates from the scene remain limited due to the early hour and ongoing operations,

Our thoughts are with the people of Fes during this unimaginable loss. Updates will follow as more details emerge.