Fire impedes rescues after building in Marseille, France collapses
PBS NewsHourNov 26, 2022
Marseille Building Collapse: Death Toll Rises to 8
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Image copyright: AFP/Getty Images [via CBC News]
The Facts
The death toll from a collapse of a residential building in the southern French city of Marseille on April 9 has risen to eight, as rescue teams found the bodies of the last two missing people on Wednesday.
French authorities opened an investigation to find the cause of the explosion of the four-story apartment building as hundreds of rescuers continued searching the rubble four days after the blast.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Very sadly, France has learned nothing from the 2018 disaster. Housing standards in Marseille have stayed the same as 40K residents continue to live in shoddy structures. The latest collapse casts a harsh light on the city's poorly-built homes.
Pro-establishment narrative
It's too early to jump to conclusions. Potential factors could include faulty wiring, criminal intent, or gas leak. The nation is in mourning right now, and the focus must remain on helping survivors and relocating the displaced residents instead of casting blame. Due process will ultimately yield the truth.
