22 people died in the collapse of two adjacent buildings in the city of Fez, Morocco, on Tuesday night. One of the buildings was hosting a celebration for a newborn, according to authorities. This is the worst incident of its kind to hit the kingdom in recent years. Local authorities in Fez stated that the two four-story buildings, which collapsed, housed eight families. No official explanation for the disaster has been provided, while the Fez Public Prosecutor's Office has announced an investigation. However, local residents pointed to the "chaotic construction" of fourth and fifth floors in an area where only two-story buildings are permitted. The Public Prosecutor's Office reported that the incident occurred shortly after 11:00 PM local time. It added that 22 people were killed and 16 others injured. The office stated in a statement, "The first building was unoccupied, while the second was hosting an 'aqiqa' party for the birth of a child." By the afternoon, the search for survivors or victims was over, the regional head of civil protection, Abdelaziz Makhmakh, told AFP from the scene. Bilal Bchir, a 17-year-old resident, told AFP: "I heard a loud noise around midnight, then screams. I fear this type of accident will be repeated." Similarly, Bilal Ibn Daoud, a 20-year-old resident, said: "There are semi-chaotic buildings in this area that escape all control, even though it is supposed to be a modern district where plots of land were provided to rehouse families from poor neighborhoods." He added: "It is very clear that safety conditions are not being respected." Meanwhile, local authorities indicated that according to initial indicators, the buildings were constructed in 2006. One survivor said: "Everyone came out and I saw something like a cloud of dust, and then I realized that both buildings had collapsed." He added: "I don't know the reason... but I am sure that the upper floors were illegal. These are not the only buildings here with illegally built floors. It was shocking."
