Tragic Collapse in Tripoli: 15 Lives Lost Amid Growing Neglect Concerns

Tue Feb 10 2026 01:07:28 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The collapse of two residential buildings in Tripoli, Lebanon, has claimed 15 lives and raised alarms about the deteriorating state of urban infrastructure in the city.

On February 9, 2026, a tragic building collapse in Tripoli, Lebanon, resulted in 15 fatalities, with eight people rescued from the rubble. This disaster highlights the long-term neglect of the city's residential structures, as Tripoli's mayor resigns, calling the situation a humanitarian crisis amidst ongoing economic turmoil and inadequate regulatory oversight.

The death toll from the collapse of two residential buildings in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli has risen to 15, state media report. Eight people were rescued alive, according to Civil Defence director general Imad Khreiss.

Khreiss stated that the two adjoining buildings were home to 22 residents; however, local municipal authorities warned that more victims could still be unaccounted for.

Footage shared on social media captured the moment when the buildings fell, with one collapsing at the lower floors prior to a simultaneous descent of both structures.

This incident marks the fifth residential building collapse in Tripoli this winter, raising serious alarms regarding the condition of old and poorly maintained buildings within Lebanon's poorest city.

Witnesses reported seeing a significant cloud of dust fill the street as the structures crumbled. Large crowds gathered around the site of the destruction, where a crater now marks the former location of the buildings.

Mayor Abdel Hamid Karimeh emphasized the chronic dereliction faced by Tripoli, stating, Thousands of our people in Tripoli are threatened due to years of neglect. The situation is beyond the capabilities of the Tripoli municipality. Karimeh has since submitted his resignation to the interior minister, labeling Tripoli as disaster-stricken.

President Joseph Aoun is closely monitoring the situation and has urged rescue teams nationwide to mobilize. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described the crashes as a humanitarian catastrophe, expressing the government's readiness to assist affected residents.

Recent evacuations were made from a nearby building showing structural flaws, emphasizing increased dangers to residents. The collapse also occurred shortly after another deadly incident claimed the lives of a father and daughter.

As Lebanon struggles with an economic crisis, many buildings have fallen victim to minimal maintenance and regulatory neglect, particularly structures erected without proper authorization during the civil war. In January, authorities warned that over 100 buildings in Tripoli required evacuation due to safety concerns.

The national syndicate for property owners condemned the collapse, blaming it on blatant negligence by the Lebanese state regarding housing safety. They urged a national assessment of risky buildings throughout the country.