Morocco building collapse death toll rises to 22

The death toll from the collapse of two residential buildings in the Moroccan city of Fez has risen to 22, the public prosecutor said on Wednesday, revising an earlier figure of 19.



The incident occurred late on Tuesday in the Al-Mustaqbal neighbourhood when an unoccupied building collapsed, triggering the collapse of an adjacent four-story structure, the prosecutor said. The second building was hosting a traditional Aqiqah celebration marking a birth.



Women and children were among the victims. Sixteen other people were injured, with some in serious condition. Authorities said the toll could rise as rescue operations continue.



Judicial police have opened an investigation under the supervision of the public prosecutor to determine the cause of the collapse. Preliminary findings show the two buildings were constructed in 2006.