On Sunday, a tragic incident in Tripoli, Lebanon, resulted in the collapse of a residential building, claiming the lives of at least five individuals, including a child and an elderly woman. The building housed a total of twelve apartments and was described by Imad Khreish, head of the civil defense, as an old property. As rescue operations continued into the evening, reports indicated that eight individuals had been successfully rescued from the rubble.

This situation is not an isolated incident, as another deadly building collapse occurred in the same city just last month, highlighting concerns about building safety and regulations in Lebanon. Many buildings in the country are poorly maintained, and there are widespread issues related to illegal construction practices stemming from the civil war era (1975-1990). Imad Khreish's comments underscore the ongoing risks faced by residents living in such structures, which are often expanded without necessary permits or oversight.

The collapse not only raises alarm regarding the immediate safety of residents in Tripoli but also calls attention to a broader systemic issue in Lebanon's infrastructure and housing regulations. With ongoing economic challenges and political instability in Lebanon, there is an urgent need for the government to address these safety issues to prevent future tragedies and ensure the wellbeing of its citizens.