36 killed in minaret collapse

A MINARET has collapsed during prayers at a crowded mosque in Morocco, killing 36 and injuring 71.

Officials blamed the accident on heavy rain that had weakened the minaret at Bab Berdieyinne Mosque

in the Unesco heritage city of Meknes, 62 miles east of the capital, Rabat.

The old town of Meknes – one of four imperial cities in Morocco – is a pedestrian zone, which made rescue efforts more difficult.

King Mohammed VI has ordered the reconstruction of the mosque, which was built four centuries ago under Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made Meknes his capital.

Heavy rain battered the city on Friday, and more rain has been forecast for this week.