BEIRUT (AP) – The devastating collapse of a six-story apartment building in the impoverished Bab Tabbaneh neighborhood of Tripoli, northern Lebanon, has resulted in a tragic death toll, which now stands at 15, according to reports from state media. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, drawing immediate concern from local authorities and prompting a significant government response.
In addition to the fatalities, at least eight individuals have sustained injuries, as reported by Lebanon's state-run National News Agency. Notably, one person was injured by a gunshot wound amidst the chaos following the collapse, highlighting the unrest in the area. Witnesses noted that local residents gathered near the site of the collapse, expressing their grief and frustration by firing into the air.
The incident has reignited anger among Tripoli residents, who have long been vocal about government neglect and the perilous state of infrastructure in Lebanon. The collapse has prompted urgent action from authorities, leading to the evacuation of over 100 nearby buildings identified as potentially at risk of similar structural failures. This preemptive measure reflects a heightened sense of urgency to prevent any further loss of life.
Building collapses have unfortunately become a recurring concern in Tripoli due to generally poor construction standards. However, the unusually high number of casualties associated with this latest incident has intensified public outcry, as residents demand accountability and better oversight of building practices.
In an effort to address the situation, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam convened a meeting on Monday with national and local officials. During this meeting, a decision was reached to conduct a phased evacuation of 114 buildings considered at risk over the forthcoming month. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring public safety and announced that the country’s Higher Relief Committee would assess the condition of these buildings. Structures that can be salvaged will be reinforced, while those deemed structurally unsafe will be demolished.
As the situation unfolds, the government has also committed to providing housing allowances for evacuated families, covering a duration of one year. This financial assistance aims to alleviate some of the burdens faced by those displaced by the collapse and the ensuing evacuations.
This disaster underscores critical issues surrounding infrastructure and building safety in Lebanon, drawing attention to systemic problems that have persisted for years. The fallout from the building collapse in Tripoli serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to ensure the safety and security of residents in vulnerable neighborhoods across the country.
