Tetouan (Morocco) building collapse: two children died - safety concerns for aging buildings

Local officials in Tetouan reported that two children lost their lives early Saturday when part of a residential building collapsed in the old medina. The structure had a ground floor and two additional levels and was home to five families, totaling 11 residents.

Authorities stated that emergency responders, including local officials, security personnel, and civil protection units, arrived at the scene and immediately began search-and-rescue efforts.

Rescue workers later recovered the body of a 10-year-old boy from the debris. An 8-year-old girl was also found alive but in critical condition. She was transported to a hospital but later died from her injuries.

Officials confirmed that the public prosecutor has been informed, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collapse. Such incidents have raised concerns about the safety of ageing buildings, particularly in historic districts where many structures suffer from inadequate maintenance and structural deterioration. Similar concerns were reported in Fez, where two residential buildings collapsed, resulting in 22 deaths.

In response, authorities have launched a legal investigation involving 21 individuals suspected of violating building and safety regulations. Potential charges include involuntary manslaughter, bodily harm, bribery and corruption, unlawful handling of non-transferable property, complicity, and the illegal issuance of administrative documents.