Casablanca – The popular Derb Sultan neighborhood in Casablanca witnessed a state of alert in the early hours of Wednesday, July 17, following the collapse of four houses simultaneously.
In a positive development amid this disaster, the incident did not result in any human casualties. Eyewitnesses attributed the collapse to the age and fragility of the buildings.
Regarding the details of the incident, one of the women who resided in one of the collapsed houses reported that the fall of her home caused the collapse of the three other adjacent buildings.
This incident caused a state of severe panic among the neighborhood residents, which necessitated the intervention of local authorities who quickly cordoned off the affected area and began the process of removing the debris.
It is worth noting that the problem of buildings at risk of collapse is one of the pressing issues in many old Moroccan cities, especially in popular neighborhoods, which calls for urgent measures to ensure the safety of residents and avoid similar disasters in the future.
It should be noted that local authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances of the incident and identify responsibilities. Additional measures are expected to be taken to assess the safety of neighboring buildings in the area to prevent any potential further collapses.
The issue of dilapidated buildings remains a significant challenge for many Moroccan cities, particularly in older, densely populated areas. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive urban renewal programs and stricter building safety regulations to protect residents and preserve the historical fabric of these neighborhoods.
As the investigation continues, questions are likely to arise about the effectiveness of current building inspection protocols and the responsibilities of property owners in maintaining the structural integrity of their buildings. The incident may also spark a broader discussion about affordable housing and urban planning in Morocco’s rapidly growing cities.