Bourgogne building collapse investigation: What we know so far

The investigation into the collapse of a residential building in Casablanca’s Bourgogne neighborhood a few days ago is continuing, in order to determine responsibilities and determine the legal consequences of this disaster that almost turned into a tragedy.

Hespress learned that authorities questioned residents who lived in the collapsed building, as well as the owners of a commercial space that was being converted into a restaurant, two of whom are professional football players.

A number of officials are also expected to be questioned by authorities as part of the investigation, which is being conducted on the instructions of the Casablanca Public Prosecutor’s Office.

According to Hespress sources, authorities are investigating the chain of command for permits to carry out renovations to the commercial space adjacent to the collapsed building.

Information available to Hespress indicates that the Sidi Belyout district had not issued any permits to the restaurant owners, who were planning to repair the premises and turn it into a high-end restaurant similar to the restaurants established near the Anfa area.

Hespress learned that the administrative investigations at the Anfa Municipality are still ongoing, as some reports brought up the suspension of a local officer for not informing authorities about the start of the works; however, official sources at the Municipality confirmed that an official administrative decision has not yet been issued.

The five-story residential building located in the Bourgogne neighborhood, a few meters from the Anfa Municipality headquarters, collapsed completely last Thursday, without any loss of life or injuries.

According to local authorities, the building and its neighboring shops and buildings were evacuated from people, while securing the perimeter, after inspecting cracks in the collapsed building, which also caused a partial collapse of one of the adjacent buildings.