HIBAPRESS – Oujda
The "Bab Sidi Abdul Wahab" market (known as Tangier Market) in the heart of Oujda city witnessed a major fire incident late last night, Thursday, which caused direct material damage to approximately six commercial stores. Fortunately, there were no human casualties or injuries, thanks to the speed and efficiency demonstrated by civil defense elements and security forces in containing the flames, controlling the fire, and preventing its spread to other parts of the vital commercial complex.
Field Presence and Direct Communication from the Governor of the Oriental Region
In an immediate response to the event, the Governor of the Oriental Region, M'hammed Attafoui, arrived at the scene accompanied by local authorities and representatives of the regional civil defense services. The Governor conducted an inspection tour of the internal corridors and alleys of the affected markets, directly assessing the extent of the damage to the commercial stores and their facades.
On the sidelines of the field visit, the Regional Governor made sure to communicate directly with the affected merchants and store owners to listen to their concerns and reassure them, emphasizing that the provincial and local authorities are closely monitoring developments and are keen to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of merchants and markets.
Developments in Procedures: Precise Damage Assessment and Exploration of Support Mechanisms
As part of the field procedures and developments undertaken, immediate directives and orders were issued to begin a comprehensive and precise inventory of all material losses and damages incurred by the affected commercial stores, in coordination and cooperation with the Union of Bab Sidi Abdul Wahab Markets Owners Association.
This urgent operation aims to prepare a detailed report that defines the extent of the damages, in order to open the way for studying how to provide necessary support and assistance to the merchants and those affected, and to mitigate the economic and psychological repercussions resulting from this incident.
Security Investigations to Determine Causes
For its part, forensic and technical police elements and the competent authorities have initiated investigation procedures under the supervision of the Public Prosecution to uncover the true circumstances and factors that led to the outbreak of the fire. Preliminary data, as suggested by representatives of the owners' union, point to the possibility of an electrical short circuit or negligence with a charger plugged into the electricity.
