Meknes minaret collapses

A mosque minaret has collapsed in Meknes, killing a number of people.

First reports were that 11 people had died, and 50 were injured, but television reports in European countries are now reporting that 18 people have been killed in the collapse.

HM King Mohammed VI has given instructions that the four-centuries old mosque is to be rebuilt as soon as possible, preserving the original architecture. The heavy rains in the area have been blamed.

Hundreds of worshippers were gathering in Bab Berdieyinne mosque in Meknes (140 km south-eastern of Rabat), for Friday's prayers.