A fire broke out in the upper section of the under-renovation Moulay Abdellah Stadium, damaging newly installed seating amid preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this year.
The blaze destroyed approximately 250 fifth-generation seats as construction work continued at the Rabat-based venue. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the workers present at the site.
Firefighters battled the flames for nearly three hours before bringing the situation under control. Thick columns of black smoke were visible from more than ten kilometres away, drawing widespread attention.
The seats, composed of a flammable polymer known as polypropylene copolymer, significantly contributed to the intensity and rapid spread of the fire.
Though no casualties were recorded, the incident has sparked serious concerns over safety protocols during the stadium’s renovation, especially during operations involving welding near the roof, which is suspected to have ignited the blaze.
Preliminary, unconfirmed reports point to possible lapses in safety management. In response, the construction company has begun evaluating the damage and plans to immediately reinforce safety measures, particularly in high-risk areas like roofing and final installation stages.
With just months to go before the continental tournament, the fire adds pressure on Morocco’s broader preparations. The country is currently managing over 120 infrastructure projects across six host cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Fez, Marrakech, and Agadir.
Despite the setback, an April progress review indicated that all stadium construction and refurbishment efforts remain on schedule.
In addition to sports venues, Morocco is also advancing urban infrastructure projects to improve mobility and accessibility.
These include road upgrades, public lighting improvements, pedestrian zones, signage enhancements, and the development of green spaces.
As the countdown to AFCON 2025 continues, ensuring safety and timely delivery of key facilities remains a top priority for the North African nation.
