Moroccan businessman dies in hunting accident, raising safety concerns

The tragic death of a prominent businessman from Tangier has brought renewed attention to the importance of safety protocols during hunting activities, especially those involving firearms.

The 48-year-old businessman, who was active in the textile industry, was hunting with friends in the Laghdir region of Chefchaouen province when the accident occurred. While cleaning his rifle during a break, a bullet accidentally discharged, fatally injuring him. The bullet, fired from a “Benelli” shotgun, struck a critical area of his body, causing severe bleeding and leading to his death at the scene.

The businessman had been hunting game in the Bni Hilal area, accompanied by friends and one of his daughters. His death has sparked renewed discussions on the safety measures necessary for high-risk hobbies like hunting.

Nafeh Bouras, president of the Wafa hunting and shooting association in the Gharb region, expressed his condolences and stressed the importance of caution when handling firearms. He pointed out that “any mistake can cost a life,” emphasizing that the use of a safety switch on hunting rifles is essential to prevent accidents.

“If the businessman had activated the safety switch on his rifle, this tragedy could have been avoided,” Bouras said, adding, “But this is ultimately fate.”

Bouras further explained that the association conducts awareness campaigns focused on the critical importance of engaging the rifle’s safety switch. He noted that training sessions for hunters stress the importance of only firing a shot when the target is clearly visible, as shooting in unclear situations can put others in danger.

Bouras also advised against hunting in populated areas, recommending that hunting groups be limited to no more than five people, with each hunter accompanied by a guide. He stressed that hunters should maintain a safety distance of approximately 70 meters from one another.

Despite the low incidence of hunting-related accidents, Bouras said that around four or five accidents are reported annually during the hunting season, which runs from October 1 to February. He called for continued training and awareness programs to minimize such accidents.