Ceiling Collapse in Damascus Saraya Building Injures Workers, Two Dead

A partial ceiling collapse occurred at the historic Saraya building in central Damascus during renovation work, resulting in at least two worker fatalities and multiple injuries. Rescue teams, including the Syrian Civil Defense and the Arab Red Crescent, have extracted five trapped workers and are continuing efforts to locate two more still believed to be under the rubble, despite challenges posed by the unstable structure. The Saraya building, dating from the late 19th century and formerly housing the Syrian Ministry of Interior, has suffered from war damage and neglect, which contributed to the incident. Authorities have closed surrounding roads, evacuated nearby civilians, and deployed structural supports to stabilize the site. The Interior Ministry pledged to cover medical expenses and losses for the victims, while activists and experts call for improved safety protocols in renovation projects to prevent similar tragedies. The collapse highlights ongoing risks from Syria's aging and war-damaged infrastructure amid the country's prolonged conflict.