Death toll rises to 41 in mosque collapse

Morocco’s official news agency said officials have raised the death toll following the collapse of a minaret during a crowded prayer service to 41 people.

The MAP agency said today that the falling tower in Meknes also injured 75 people, 17 of whom are still in hospital.

On Friday, the day of the accident, the North African kingdom’s official news agency put the death toll at 36 and said 71 were injured. Officials have blamed the accident on heavy rain that weakened the minaret at the Bab Berdieyinne Mosque.

Morocco’s king has ordered the reconstruction of the mosque, which was built four centuries ago under Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made Meknes his capital.