Tragedy Strikes as wall collapse claims lives at Tunisia's UNESCO World Heritage site

Three lives were lost as a segment of the ancient walls enveloping the Old City of Kairouan crumbled during repair work on Saturday, according to Tunisian authorities. The victims, identified as masons engaged in restoration efforts, were fatally caught in the collapse, while two additional workers sustained injuries.

The incident, occurring near the Gate of the Floggers, resulted in a 30-meter (100-foot) section of the six-meter (20-foot) high walls collapsing to the ground, as reported by the Civil Protection department.

The department’s spokesperson, Moez Tria, revealed that the team was diligently involved in restoring the three-kilometer (two-mile) long wall encircling the Old City.

Tria suggested a potential link between the tragic accident and recent heavy rains in the region. Kairouan, founded in 670 AD, stands as one of North Africa’s revered cities and a prominent tourist destination. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, the city now mourns the loss of lives amid its historical splendor.