Lebanon Building Collapse Death Toll Reaches 15, Sparking Outrage and Calls for Resignation
Tripoli, Lebanon – The death toll from the collapse of two residential buildings in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli has risen to 15, state media reported Monday, February 9, 2026. Eight people were rescued alive from the rubble, according to Civil Defence director general Imad Khreiss.
The buildings, home to 22 residents, collapsed Sunday afternoon, February 8, 2026, in the impoverished Bab Tabbaneh neighborhood. While all residents have been accounted for, local municipal authorities have warned that others may still be missing. Social media footage captured the moment of the collapse, showing one side of the structures giving way before both fell almost simultaneously, engulfing the street in a thick cloud of dust and debris.
The disaster marks the fifth residential building collapse in Tripoli this winter, raising serious concerns about the condition of old and poorly maintained buildings in Lebanon’s poorest city. Residents gathered at the site following the collapse, with some reportedly firing gunshots in the air.
Tripoli’s mayor, Abdel Hamid Karimeh, announced his resignation following the tragedy, describing the city as “disaster-stricken.” He stated that “thousands of our people in Tripoli are threatened due to years of neglect,” and that the situation is beyond the capabilities of the Tripoli municipality.
President Joseph Aoun said he was “monitoring developments” and called on rescue workers across the country to mobilize. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described the collapse as a “humanitarian catastrophe” and pledged government assistance, stating the government was “fully prepared to provide accommodation for all residents of buildings that need to be evacuated.” He attributed the disaster to the “results of years of accumulated neglect.”
The collapse has sparked outrage among residents who have long complained of government neglect and substandard infrastructure. Building collapses are not uncommon in Tripoli due to poor building standards, but the high death toll in this incident has intensified public anger. Surrounding buildings were evacuated fearing structural compromise.
Officials have pledged to investigate the cause of the collapse and take legal action against those found responsible. The incident underscores the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and greater oversight of building safety in Tripoli and throughout Lebanon.
The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences to Lebanon over the victims of the building collapse, according to reports.
