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Fatal explosion in Taroudant tunnel highlights safety concerns in infrastructure projects

Monday 27 January 2025 - 07:50

A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday in the Ouzioua region of Taroudant province, where four workers lost their lives following an explosion inside a tunnel associated with the "El Mokhtar Soussi" dam elevation project.

According to a statement issued by the Tafnout commune on its official Facebook page, the workers were trapped inside the tunnel after the explosion. The statement described the event as "tragic" and noted that local authorities, led by Ouzioua, alongside the Royal Gendarmerie and Civil Protection teams, are continuing their efforts to recover the victims' bodies.

Rescue operations, however, face significant challenges. The tunnel has been obstructed by collapsed debris, and a severe gas leak is further complicating progress. The narrow and extended structure of the tunnel, coupled with the high concentration of gas, has prevented Civil Protection teams from advancing safely.

This devastating incident raises pressing questions about the safety measures in place on large-scale construction sites, particularly those involving critical infrastructure projects. Calls for a thorough investigation into the causes of the explosion are growing, with the aim of preventing similar tragedies in the future.

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