In Tripoli, northern Lebanon, a building collapse claimed the lives of 14 individuals, as reported by the country's national news agency. On Monday, Imad Khreiss, the chief of the Lebanese civil defense, confirmed that rescue teams had recovered 14 bodies and managed to save eight people from the rubble. The authorities have since declared the rescue operation concluded, with ongoing investigations into the causes of the collapse.

The incident involved two older interconnected buildings located in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Tripoli. Abdel Hamid Karameh, the chairman of Tripoli's municipal committee, mentioned that he could not confirm the number of people still missing, as earlier reports stated that 22 residents lived in those two structures. The local community is in mourning, and there are questions about the safety regulations governing such dilapidated buildings in Lebanon, which could be critical in preventing future tragedies.

This event highlights the ongoing issues related to infrastructure safety in Lebanon, particularly in areas that are socio-economically challenged. As the nation continues to grapple with economic crises and the aftermath of various conflicts, the collapse serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for government and municipal reform to ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens. Concerns have been raised regarding the structural integrity of buildings in impoverished neighborhoods, prompting calls for immediate investigations and potential legislative action to improve housing standards in the country.