Rescue teams race against time in Tripoli as dozens are displaced, eight remain missing, and officials blame years of state neglect and crumbling infrastructure

At least nine people have been confirmed dead after a multi-storey apartment building collapsed on Sunday in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli, according to state media.

Rescue teams pulled six survivors from the rubble and continued search operations for at least eight people believed to be missing, the state-run National News Agency reported. Among the victims were a woman and a child.

The collapse occurred in Bab Tabbaneh, one of Tripoli’s poorest neighbourhoods, an area long plagued by dilapidated housing, weak infrastructure and limited government oversight. Building collapses have occurred repeatedly in the city, often linked to poor construction standards and lack of maintenance.

Emergency responders and residents searched through debris as crowds gathered at the scene. Some residents reportedly fired shots into the air as rescue efforts continued.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said those injured in the incident would receive medical treatment at the state’s expense.

In a statement, the National Syndicate for Property Owners described the collapse as the result of “blatant negligence” and systemic failures by the Lebanese state, warning that similar incidents could occur elsewhere unless urgent action is taken. The syndicate called for a nationwide assessment of buildings at risk of collapse.

Government officials said temporary shelter would be provided for survivors and residents evacuated from nearby buildings deemed structurally unsafe.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the government would reinforce buildings identified as vulnerable and hold accountable anyone found to have been negligent.

“The government will not shirk its responsibility,” Salam said, pledging full accountability and preventive measures.