Rumors are circulating on social media that the fire broke out after some party goers used firecrackers inside the cafe.
Rabat – A New Year’s Eve party turned into a tragedy after a fire broke out inside the “O75 Paris” hookah (shisha) cafe in Malabata, Tangier in northern Morocco just after midnight.
A video on social media has gone viral, with footage showing fire and civil protection units in front of the cafe.
Maghreb Arab Press (MAP) reports that the fire led to the deaths of two party goers and injured at least two others.
The incident took place at 12:45 a.m. after a short circuit sparked the flames, according to MAP.
However, other stories about the fire have gone viral on social media and in certain news outlets, with claims that the fire was due to the use of firecrackers inside the cafe. Other news outlets have reported that the fire sparked after a hookah caused a Christmas tree to catch fire..
Police have opened an investigation to determine the circumstances and to identify the cause of` the fire.
Moroccan police were out in force on New Year’s Eve, across the biggest cities. Videos released by the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) show high level security mobiliation and a significant number of arrests.
Prior to the New Year’s Eve festivities, the DGSN announced high security measures, with thousands of human resources deployed to ensure the security and safety of citizens.
