Rabat – Security services in the M’diq-Fnideq Prefecture in northern Morocco have launched an investigation into a devastating traffic accident in downtown Fnideq that left four people dead and eight injured.
The investigation seeks to determine the circumstances and responsibilities after a heavily loaded truck crashed into two buildings.
The other eight victims that survived the crash suffered injuries of varying degrees, according to a provisional report from local authorities of the M’diq-Fnideq Prefecture.
The incident also caused a fire and significant damage.
The tragic accident took place when a tractor-trailer carrying a large load of construction materials crashed into two buildings of three and four floors respectively.
The first includes a cafe and apartments, and the second houses shops and an unclassified hotel.
The report stressed that local and security authorities rushed to the accident site as soon as they were alerted.
The rescue intervention included the necessary measures to extinguish the fire that broke out following the collision.
The injured were transported to the emergency department of Hassan II Hospital in Fnideq to undergo examinations and receive necessary treatment.
The accident caused significant material damage to the two buildings due to the force of the crash and the subsequent fire, according to local authorities.
Seven cars parked by the roadside were also damaged.
Search operations to provide aid and assistance to any other possible victims continued throughout the intervention.
An investigation is also ongoing to clarify the circumstances of the accident and establish responsibility.
Recent data from Morocco’s police said 36 people lost their lives and 3,109 others were injured.
The victims include 122 people that suffered serious injuries in 2,308 traffic accidents recorded in urban areas during the week from November 24-30.
The main causes of accidents, in order of prevalence, were: lack of driver attention; failure to respect right of way; lack of pedestrian attention; not maintaining a safe following distance; excessive speed; ignoring a stop sign and loss of control.
The other reasons include: changing direction without signaling; making prohibited turns; driving in the wrong direction; driving in the left lane; ignoring red traffic lights; driving under the influence of alcohol; and improper overtaking.
