BEIRUT (AP) – On Sunday, February 8, 2026, a tragic incident occurred in the city of Tripoli, northern Lebanon, where a multistory apartment building collapsed. According to state media reports, at least two people have been confirmed dead, including a child and a woman, while four individuals were rescued from the rubble.
The building was located in the Bab Tabbaneh neighborhood, known as one of the poorest areas of Tripoli, Lebanon's second-largest city. Residents of this area have long expressed concerns about government neglect and poor infrastructure, leading to frequent building collapses due to insufficient safety standards.
As rescue teams continue their operations, the full extent of the casualties remains unclear, with efforts ongoing to search for potential survivors trapped within the rubble. The collapse generated significant public concern, drawing dozens of people to the site, some of whom reacted by firing shots into the air in a display of frustration or mourning.
In response to the tragedy, Lebanon’s Health Ministry has announced that it will cover the medical expenses for those injured in the collapse, reflecting the state's commitment to supporting affected individuals in this dire situation.
The national syndicate for property owners issued a statement condemning the incident, attributing the collapse to “blatant negligence and shortcomings of the Lebanese state” in ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and their homes. They emphasized that this unfortunate event is “not an isolated incident,” calling for a comprehensive national survey to assess buildings at risk of similar failures in the future.
The importance of addressing the underlying issues of building safety and infrastructure in Lebanon, particularly in impoverished neighborhoods like Bab Tabbaneh, has been underscored by this incident. The repeated occurrence of such collapses highlights the urgent need for government intervention to improve construction standards and ensure the wellbeing of residents.
As the rescue efforts proceed, the community remains in a state of mourning and turmoil, awaiting further developments regarding the fate of those still unaccounted for in the aftermath of this tragic event.
