A disturbing incident occurred at the Amr ibn al-As mosque in the new Ali Mendjeli city in Constantine, Algeria, on October 30, 2026, when a section of the dome's tiles collapsed just before Friday prayers. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the worshippers. The mosque's management and local authorities acted quickly to ensure the situation was handled safely.
The Director of Religious Affairs and Endowments for Constantine province promptly visited the scene to assess the situation and understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. Despite the unsettling event, Friday prayers proceeded as scheduled without any disruptions. Following the prayers, national security and civil protection teams arrived at the mosque to inspect the site and provide necessary precautions.
As a precautionary measure, the area beneath the dome was cordoned off, and worshippers were barred from praying there until further notice. The Director of Religious Affairs and Endowments then convened an emergency meeting with the mosque's Imam and members of the religious association. During the meeting, urgent directives were issued to conduct a technical assessment of the dome's condition.
The technical evaluation aims to identify the cause of the collapse and inform the necessary steps to address the damage and ensure the mosque's structural integrity. This proactive approach underscores the authorities' commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of worshippers. The incident has highlighted the importance of regular maintenance and inspections of public and religious buildings.
The Wali (Governor) of Constantine province contacted the Director of Religious Affairs and Endowments to express concern for the worshippers' safety and provide guidance on the situation. The Wali emphasized the need for swift action to rectify the situation and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident has sparked a concerted effort from local authorities to review safety protocols and procedures in place for public and religious buildings across the region. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in maintaining public safety.
The Algerian authorities' swift response to the incident demonstrates their commitment to ensuring public safety and preventing potential harm to worshippers and the general public. An investigation into the cause of the collapse is expected to provide further insights and recommendations for preventing similar incidents.
Key points
- Algerian authorities have taken immediate action to secure the damaged mosque and ensure worshippers' safety.
- A technical assessment of the mosque's dome will be conducted to determine the cause of the collapse and inform necessary repairs.
- The incident has prompted a review of safety protocols and procedures for public and religious buildings in the region.
