British executive's death in Marrakech spa fire ruled accidental by UK inquest

A British recruitment executive who died in March 2023 after becoming trapped in a spa fire at a five-star resort in Marrakech has been officially ruled to have died accidentally, according to the findings of a UK inquest concluded in October 2025.

Anthony Barnes, 48, had traveled to Morocco with colleagues for a work event on March 22, 2023. Around 3 p.m., he went for a massage while his colleagues stayed by the pool. About an hour later, staff rushed toward the spa as thick black smoke filled the air after a small explosion triggered a fire inside the resort’s spa.

Coroner Caroline Jones determined that Barnes died from smoke inhalation, compounded by an undiagnosed heart condition. The inquiry found no evidence of foul play and concluded that the blaze was accidental.

In a tribute, his company described him as a dedicated colleague and friend whose loss was «deeply felt by everyone who knew him».