Tragedy Strikes Again: 15 Confirmed Dead in Building Collapse in Tripoli, Lebanon

Tue Feb 10 2026 00:47:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A catastrophic building collapse in Tripoli has resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals, sparking warnings of widespread neglect in Lebanon's infrastructure. The incident raises urgent concerns over safety standards and maintenance in the country's aging buildings.

In the latest tragedy to hit Tripoli, Lebanon, two residential buildings collapsed, leading to 15 confirmed fatalities and eight rescues. This disaster, the fifth in recent months, has ignited discussions about neglect, safety regulations, and emergency responses in the city, which has suffered from years of economic hardship and lack of maintenance.

The death toll from the collapse of two residential buildings in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli has risen to 15, according to state media.

Eight people were rescued alive, as confirmed by Civil Defence director general Imad Khreiss. He noted that the two adjoining buildings housed 22 residents; however, local authorities have warned that there may still be missing individuals.

Social media footage captured the moment of collapse, showing one side giving way on the lower floors before both buildings fell almost simultaneously. This incident is the fifth residential building collapse in Tripoli this winter, which has raised alarms about outdated and poorly maintained structures in Lebanon's poorest city.

After the collapse, thick clouds of dust and debris engulfed the street, with large crowds gathering around the site previously occupied by the buildings. Tripoli's mayor, Abdel Hamid Karimeh, lamented years of neglect that have put thousands at risk, and stated that the situation exceeds the capabilities of the local municipality.

In the wake of the incident, Karimeh submitted his resignation to the interior minister, branding Tripoli as disaster-stricken. Meanwhile, President Joseph Aoun stated he is monitoring the situation closely, urging rescuers across the nation to mobilize. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam labeled the building collapse as a humanitarian catastrophe, promising that the government is ready to assist impacted residents.

The city, suffering from economic distress and regulatory weaknesses, has seen increased building failures and evacuation warnings. The collapse follows recent evacuations due to structural concerns and shines a light on the lack of oversight for many illegally constructed buildings in Lebanon, particularly those built during the civil war.

The national syndicate for property owners criticized the incident as stemming from blatant negligence by the Lebanese state, calling for a nationwide assessment of at-risk buildings to prevent further tragedies.