At least 36 people have been killed and 71 injured after the minaret of a historic 18th century mosque collapsed in the central Moroccan city of Meknes.
Local officials fear the death toll could mount as the rescue operation progresses.
'The minaret and part of the roof fell on the congregation which had gathered for the weekly prayer,' a resident told AFP.
Residents said that heavy rains had hit the region in the past days and the mosque was packed with worshippers at the time of the collapse.
Rescuers initially had trouble sifting through debris as the mosque was located in the crammed and bustling Old City and surrounded by the high walls delineating the quarter.
he lightly injured were hospitalised in Meknes while those with serious injuries were taken to Fes, 60km north of the town.
Fes is considered the 'spiritual capital' of the kingdom.
The interior and religious affairs ministers are at the site and supervising rescue operations.
