Building collapse in northern Lebanon kills at least six people | News
At Least Six Dead in Tripoli Building Collapse
Published on February 8, 2026
TRIPOLI, Lebanon — A devastating building collapse in the northern city of Tripoli has resulted in at least six fatalities and seven injuries, according to Abdel Hamid Karimeh, head of the municipal council. The incident occurred in the Bab al-Tabbaneh neighborhood, where two adjoining buildings fell, prompting immediate search-and-rescue efforts.
In a press conference on Sunday, Karimeh did not provide an estimate on how many individuals might still be trapped beneath the debris. Search-and-rescue operations are currently being conducted by civil defense teams, the Lebanese Red Cross, and various emergency and relief agencies. Local residents have also joined the effort, assisting in debris removal and helping create openings in the collapsed structures.
Authorities have evacuated nearby residential buildings as a precaution against further collapses, with a significant presence of army personnel in the area. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that eight additional individuals have been rescued amid ongoing operations.
In response to the tragedy, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has ordered all emergency services to remain on high alert to support rescue efforts and provide shelter for those displaced from surrounding buildings.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized the government’s commitment to assisting residents from affected structures, stating that housing allowances will be provided for those who need to relocate.
“We must address the magnitude of this humanitarian catastrophe, a result of years of accumulated neglect,” Salam said. “I urge all political figures in Tripoli and beyond to refrain from exploiting this tragic event for short-term political gains.”
Lebanon’s infrastructure has long suffered from a combination of economic decline, corruption, and damage from previous conflicts, leading to chronic issues such as electricity shortages, unreliable water supply, and deteriorating buildings.
As rescue operations continue, the community remains hopeful for the safe recovery of those still missing.
