A devastating explosion inside a tunnel at the Mokhtar Soussi Dam project in the Aouzioua area of Taroudant Province claimed the lives of at least workers in the early hours of Monday. The workers were performing required maintenance operations when they were trapped inside the underground canal after the explosion, sparking a 14-hour rescue operation that ultimately recovered only their bodies.
The workers were performing regular maintenance in the horizontal tunnel that stretches more than 400 meters as part of the dam’s elevation project, according to local sources. A powerful explosion rocked the site, severing communication with the workers.
Efforts to recover the victims were hampered by the presence of gas in the narrow tunnel, which created hazardous conditions for the rescue teams.
Authorities, including the Gendarmerie, Civil Protection, auxiliary forces, and local officials, worked feverishly alongside volunteers and specialized miners from the Zgounder mine for more than 14 hours to reach the victims.
The communal council of Ahl Tafnout where the dam project is located expressed deep sorrow, describing the event as a “painful tragedy.” In a statement on its social media account, the council said the rescue operation had been difficult due to debris and gas leaks in the tunnel.
The incident has left the local community in shock, with many mourning the loss of the workers and calling for enhanced safety measures at construction sites.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the explosion and to ensure accountability.
Local officials, residents of the region, and the public expressed their grief and solidarity with the families of the victims.