36 Dead, 71 Injured as Mosque Collapse in Morocco

As many as 36 people were killed and 71 others injured when a minaret collapsed at a crowed mosque during prayers in the old town of the historic Moroccan city of Meknes, reported Associated Press citing official MAP news agency.

In a statement released by the Interior Ministry, officials said that the accident occurred due to heavy rain that had weakened the minaret, said report.

Report said that King Mohammed VI sent the interior minister and religious affairs minister to Meknes, a UNESCO heritage city and one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, some 120 kilometres (62 miles) east of the capital Rabat.

The authorities visited some the injured at hospitals in Meknes, while more severely wounded were moved to hospitals in the close-by city of Fes, said report, adding that a team of psychologist was also sent.

MAP reported citing official sources that 51 people have already been released but 20 were still receiving treatment.

Shortly after the incidence, the king ordered the reconstruction of the mosque, which Sultan Moulay Ismail had build centuries ago, said report.

Heavy rain battered the city yesterday, and more rain has been forecast for the next week.