Building collapse in Qobbeih: Tributes and funerals for 2 victims after a night of anger in Tripoli

Elissar al-Mir, a woman in her twenties trapped under the rubble of a building that collapsed over the weekend in the Qobbeih neighborhood of Tripoli, was found dead Tuesday evening by Civil Defense teams.

Her body was recovered four days after the building, where she lived with her family, gave way.

The tragedy claimed two lives: Elissar and her father, Ahmad, both of whom will be buried today in their family’s hometown of Mar Touma in Akkar.

Her mother, brother, and sister were rescued over the weekend. The incident caused widespread shock in Tripoli, prompting Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to visit the site on Monday.

Civil Defense confirmed the end of the search in a statement Tuesday night, following four days of nonstop operations. Rescue efforts had been conducted cautiously to avoid further collapses, with heavy machinery eventually used to clear the debris. The night after the announcement saw unrest in Tripoli, including gunfire that injured one person, as residents criticized authorities and warned of a “ticking time bomb” if the city’s unsafe buildings are not addressed.

A cat that Elissar cared for was reportedly observed at the site, remaining near where her body was found.

Elissar was remembered by Tripoli’s government hospital, where she worked, as “dedicated and loyal.” Colleagues held a sit-in to show solidarity with her family and demand an official investigation into the collapse.

Meanwhile, MP Ihab Matar announced he had submitted a draft law to Parliament to renovate cracked and unstable buildings, calling it a “legislative initiative to protect public safety and preserve citizens’ lives.” He said the proposal is part of ongoing efforts to address a chronic problem, particularly in Tripoli, amid economic crises and long-standing neglect.

Reporting by our regional correspondent, Michel Hallak.