Two students drown in construction-related lake near Safi

Two students died on Sunday in Lamsabih, a rural commune in the Safi province, after drowning while on their way to school. The children fell into a body of water that had formed as a result of excavation works carried out by a company installing large seawater desalination pipelines near Talha village, on the outskirts of Safi.

According to available information, Civil Protection teams recovered the body of one student, while search operations were continuing for the second child, who was swept away by the water. Rescue efforts have been hampered by thick mud and deteriorated road conditions in the area.

The incident has triggered strong reactions among local residents, who have expressed concern over what they describe as a lack of safety measures around the excavation site and the water channel. They argue that the construction works were not adequately secured, particularly during the rainy season.

Residents are calling for an investigation to determine responsibility and are also urging authorities to provide school transportation for children in the area, in order to prevent similar incidents and improve student safety.