The Moroccan public received the news of the death of 19-year-old Omar El-Sebai with great sorrow. He was killed in a tragic accident during the final maintenance work at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier. There are calls for stricter safety measures and oversight of the companies involved.
El-Sebai fell from a significant height, resulting in his immediate death just hours before the stadium’s official opening on Friday, November 14.
### Details of the Tragic Incident
According to various sources, despite limited details being released, Omar El-Sebai, from Douar Sidi Mohammed Sanba in the province of Chichaoua, experienced a dramatic fall while working on the stadium’s exterior maintenance. He was performing routine tasks as part of the final preparations for the imminent opening when he suddenly lost his balance, causing his fall. The victim was rushed to the nearest hospital, but his severe injuries led to his death.
The young worker, who was employed by a company contracted with the authorities responsible for the stadium’s rehabilitation, had migrated to Tangier in search of better job opportunities, like many young Moroccans.
### Stadium: An Achievement Stained with Workers’ Blood
Ibn Batouta Stadium is one of Morocco’s major sports facilities. It has been renovated to meet international standards for hosting major tournaments, such as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. However, this incident underscores the critical importance of enhancing safety in worksites, particularly in large infrastructure projects.
The opening on Friday takes on a somber tone due to the loss of this young man, who contributed to the stadium’s construction. He is not the only victim, as the facility has recorded several fatal incidents since its original construction.
This series of accidents highlights an urgent need for independent investigations and strict penalties for those responsible for negligence, with a focus on enforcing international safety standards at work sites.
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