AP Image
Rabat (Morocco):
A minaret collapsed during prayers killing 36 people and injuring 71 at a crowded mosque in the old town of the historic Moroccan city of Meknes, the official MAP news agency said.
Officials blamed the accident on heavy rain that had weakened the minaret at the Bab Berdieyinne Mosque, according to a statement released by the Interior Ministry.
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 officials visited some of the injured at hospitals in Meknes. The more seriously injured were taken to hospitals in the nearby city of Fes. A team of psychologists also was sent.
MAP, citing official sources, said hospitals had already released 51 people, but were still treating 20 injured victims.
The king has ordered the reconstruction of the mosque, which was built four centuries ago under Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made Meknes his capital.
Heavy rain battered the city yesterday, and more rain has been forecast for the next week.
Officials blamed the accident on heavy rain that had weakened the minaret at the Bab Berdieyinne Mosque, according to a statement released by the Interior Ministry.
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 officials visited some of the injured at hospitals in Meknes. The more seriously injured were taken to hospitals in the nearby city of Fes. A team of psychologists also was sent.
MAP, citing official sources, said hospitals had already released 51 people, but were still treating 20 injured victims.
The king has ordered the reconstruction of the mosque, which was built four centuries ago under Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made Meknes his capital.
Heavy rain battered the city yesterday, and more rain has been forecast for the next week.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
