2 buildings collapse in Moroccan city of Fez, killing 22 people

RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Two adjacent four-story buildings collapsed overnight in the Moroccan city of Fez, killing 22 people in the second fatal collapse there this year, authorities said Wednesday.

Morocco's state news agency, MAP, reported that the two buildings housed eight families. Sixteen people were injured and taken to the hospital. Authorities said the neighborhood had been evacuated and search and rescue efforts continued.

It was unclear what caused the collapse or how many people were unaccounted for. Authorities said an investigation had been opened. MAP reported that the structures were built in 2006 during an initiative called “City Without Slums."

Fez is Morocco’s third-largest city and one of the hosts of this month’s Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. It is best known for its walled city packed with medieval souks. It’s also one of the country’s poorest urban centers, where aging infrastructure is common.

Such building collapses are not uncommon in Moroccan cities undergoing rapid population growth. A collapse in May in Fez killed 10 people and injured seven in a building that had been slated for evacuation, according to Moroccan outlet Le360.

Building codes are often not enforced in Morocco, especially in ancient cities where aging, multifamily homes of cinderblock are common. Though the buildings that collapsed Wednesday had been built according to code, the Hespress news outlet reported, additional floors had been added to the structures.

Infrastructure inequality was a focus of protests that swept the country earlier this year, with demonstrators criticizing the government for investing in new stadiums instead of addressing inequality in health care, education and other public services.

Rescue workers search for survivors, amid the wreckage of two collapsed buildings, in Fez, Morocco, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Hanane Boukili)

Residents watch as rescue workers search for survivors, amid the wreckage of two collapsed buildings, in Fez, Morocco, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Hanane Boukili)

Residents and jounalists watch as rescue workers search for survivors, amid the wreckage of two collapsed buildings, in Fez, Morocco, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Hanane Boukili)

Rescue workers and reisdents search for survivors amid the wreckage of two collapsed buildings in Fez, Morocco, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahmed Alaoui Mrani)

Rescue workers and residents search for survivors amid the wreckage of two collapsed buildings in Fez, Morocco, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahmed Alaoui Mrani)

Rescue workers and residents search for survivors amid the wreckage of two collapsed buildings in Fez, Morocco, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahmed Alaoui Mrani)

Rescue workers carry a body to an ambulance after recovering it from the wreckage of two collapsed buildings in Fez, Morocco, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahmed Alaoui Mrani)

Rescue workers and residents search for survivors amid the wreckage of two collapsed buildings in Fez, Morocco, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahmed Alaoui Mrani)

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 2, 2026--

White Castle, the family-owned Slider pioneer, is bringing a little Southwest sizzle to the Castle in the form of a brand-new Slider: the Chicken Fajita Slider.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260402672708/en/

Available for a limited time beginning April 6, the Chicken Fajita Slider invites Cravers to spice up their spring in a whole new way. This bold, flavor-packed creation features crispy, all-white meat chicken topped with grilled onions and peppers, jalapeño cheese and zesty green chili aioli. It’s a Southwest-inspired twist designed to deliver maximum Crave in every bite.

“We’re always looking for new ways to surprise and delight our Cravers,” said Jamie Richardson, chief marketing officer at White Castle. “The Chicken Fajita Slider brings bold flavor to our iconic Slider lineup while staying true to what we do best: delivering hot, tasty and affordable food that keeps people coming back for more.”

White Castle market tested the Chicken Fajita Slider in Indianapolis in 2021. While customers loved the Slider, a post-COVID ingredient shortage put the systemwide rollout on the back burner. A consumer survey in the fall of 2025, however, confirmed that it was time to introduce the Chicken Fajita Slider as a limited-time menu item in all of its markets.

The Chicken Fajita Slider, available at participating White Castles through June 14 or while supplies last, costs between $2.59 and $2.99, depending on the region.

White Castle also introduces brand-new Jalapeño Cravioli

In addition to the Chicken Fajita Slider, White Castle is introducing another brand-new, limited-time-only menu item — Jalapeño Cravioli. This tasty side dish is made from diced jalapeño peppers and cream cheese stuffed inside crispy, seasoned cornmeal breading and served with green chili aioli dipping sauce. It runs $1.99 for a small serving (five pieces) and $4.99 for a sack (14 pieces) and is available April 6 through June 14 (or while supplies last).

April brings hot and steamy deals to the Castle

Cravers coming to Castles in April can savor the new Chicken Fajita Slider, Jalapeño Cravioli, and countless other Sliders and sides at unbeatable prices. Members of the free-to-join CRAVER NATION REWARDS ® program can get a Chicken Fajita Slider and a three-piece Jalapeño Cravioli for just $3.99. In addition, beginning April 6, Cravers can visit whitecastle.com/value-offers to download coupons for $3 off a Crave Clutch and $1 off any Combo Meal.

Editor’s Note: Download imageshere.

About White Castle ®

White Castle, America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business owns and operates 334 restaurants as well as a retail division providing its famous fare in freezer aisles of retail stores nationwide. As part of its commitment to offering the highest quality products, White Castle owns and operates its own Slider Provider meat plants, bakeries and frozen-Slider retail plants. White Castle has earned numerous accolades over the years including “Most Influential Burger of All Time” by Time magazine (2014, The Original Slider ® ) and one of the “10 Most Innovative Dining Companies” by Fast Company (2021). White Castle is known for the legendary engagement of its team members and has received the Great Place to Work ® Certification™ for an extraordinary five consecutive years spanning 2021–2025. White Castle is beloved by its passionate fans (Cravers), many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. The official White Castle app makes it easy for Cravers to sign up for the CRAVER NATION REWARDS ® loyalty program, access sweet deals and place pickup orders at any time. For more information on White Castle and how to Follow Your Crave, visit whitecastle.com.

On April 6, White Castle will introduce two brand-new limited-time menu items -- the Chicken Fajita Slider and Jalapeño Cravioli.