Wall collapse in Tunisia's historic Kairouan kills three

Three stonemasons died in the collapse of a section of the historic walls that encircle the Old City of Kairouan in Tunisia on Saturday.

Local officials reported that a 30-metre section of the wall near the Gate of the Floggers crumbled, injuring two other individuals who reportedly suffered fractures.

Tunisian authorities launched a comprehensive investigation to uncover the factors leading to the incident, which possibly resulted from heavy rainfalls in the region.

#BREAKING #TUNISIA #TUNISIE

🔴 TUNISIA :#VIDEO A SECTION OF THE HISTORIC WALLS AROUND THE OLD CITY OF KAIROUAN COLLAPSED

At least 3 people killed, 2 injured while repairing the wall at UNESCO World Heritage site on December 16. #Ultimahora #Kairouan #Accident #Accidente pic.twitter.com/tb6E4STX8N

— LoveWorld World News (@LoveWorld_Peopl) December 17, 2023

The Mosque of the Three Doors that lies within the demolished wall is recognized by UNESCO as an architectural masterpiece, known for being the oldest mosque with a sculpted façade and influential in the design of many mosques across the Maghreb region,

In response to the collapse, Moez Tria, a spokesperson for the Civil Protection Department, stated that precautionary measures have been taken. A perimeter has been established around a segment of the wall still considered at risk, to prevent any further casualties or damage.

The city of Kairouan, with a history dating back to 670 AD, is famous throughout North Africa as an ancient centre of learning and religious worship and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988.  It served as the capital of the region for four centuries until the 12th century when Tunis became Tunisia's political capital.