Government announces inquiry on Fez building collapse

Minister in charge of relations with parliament Mohamed Bouzoubaa, standing for the government spokesman, said Thursday local authorities were questioning people in an inquiry to pinpoint responsibility in the collapse early Wednesday of a building in Fez that killed 31 people. Sanctions will be immediately taken, said Bouzoubaa, recalling how the building did not meet safety norms and was to be vacated in 1998 under a city council decision relating to several illegal and anarchic houses and buildings in the area.

41 survivors were dispatched to hospitals for care before being rehoused while rescue teams are still at work on site.