The death toll from the collapse of two residential buildings in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli has risen to 15, according to state media. Eight people were rescued alive, confirmed Civil Defence director general Imad Khreiss. The two adjoining buildings housed 22 residents, but local authorities have cautioned that more individuals could still be unaccounted for.
Social media footage showed the moment the buildings fell, revealing structural vulnerabilities. This tragic event marks the fifth residential collapse in Tripoli this winter, amid growing concerns regarding deteriorating infrastructure in Lebanon’s poorest city. Witnesses described a thick cloud of dust enveloping the area as crowds gathered around the disaster site.
Mayor Abdel Hamid Karimeh highlighted long-term neglect, stating that thousands are at risk due to the city's deteriorating condition, which he deemed beyond the municipality's capabilities. Following this incident, he submitted his resignation, underscoring the urgency of the city's distress.
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam have called for urgent mobilization of rescue efforts. Salam described the incident as a „humanitarian catastrophe,“ noting the government's readiness to assist affected families. Recent evacuations from a nearby building and another deadly collapse just weeks earlier illustrate the critical need for improved building safety and regulations in Tripoli, which has suffered from years of economic and infrastructural decline.
The national syndicate for property owners has condemned the collapse as a result of systematic negligence by the state, urging a nationwide inspection of potentially hazardous buildings to prevent further tragedies.
Social media footage showed the moment the buildings fell, revealing structural vulnerabilities. This tragic event marks the fifth residential collapse in Tripoli this winter, amid growing concerns regarding deteriorating infrastructure in Lebanon’s poorest city. Witnesses described a thick cloud of dust enveloping the area as crowds gathered around the disaster site.
Mayor Abdel Hamid Karimeh highlighted long-term neglect, stating that thousands are at risk due to the city's deteriorating condition, which he deemed beyond the municipality's capabilities. Following this incident, he submitted his resignation, underscoring the urgency of the city's distress.
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam have called for urgent mobilization of rescue efforts. Salam described the incident as a „humanitarian catastrophe,“ noting the government's readiness to assist affected families. Recent evacuations from a nearby building and another deadly collapse just weeks earlier illustrate the critical need for improved building safety and regulations in Tripoli, which has suffered from years of economic and infrastructural decline.
The national syndicate for property owners has condemned the collapse as a result of systematic negligence by the state, urging a nationwide inspection of potentially hazardous buildings to prevent further tragedies.
