The spouse of a British man who passed away in a fire incident during a spa treatment at an upscale resort is taking legal action against the management of a Moroccan hotel where the tragedy occurred.
Anthony Barnes tragically lost his life in March 2023 while he was a guest at the prestigious Jaal Ryad Resort Hotel in Marrakech. Mr. Barnes, a resident of Cambridgeshire, was on a business trip with colleagues when the unfortunate event took place at the age of 48. Regrettably, a hotel staff member also perished in the fire.
Rachel Barnes, the widow of Mr. Barnes, is seeking over £500,000 in damages from Hotel Des Idrissides, operating as Jaal Ryad, alleging that the fire resulted from the company’s negligence. The hotel firm is contesting the claim, refuting any negligence or breach of duty leading to Mr. Barnes’ demise. The legal proceedings for the claim are pending.
According to court documents presented by Mrs. Barnes’ legal representative, Matthew Chapman KC, Mr. Barnes was undergoing a massage treatment when the hotel staff noticed the fire outbreak.
An inquiry in the UK concluded last year that Mr. Barnes’ death was accidental after the spa was engulfed in dense smoke, impairing visibility and complicating rescue efforts.
Chapman argued that the hotel company is accountable to Mrs. Barnes for the inadequate management of the hotel and spa facilities, exposing Mr. Barnes to foreseeable harm and death. He pointed out several failures, including the lack of proper fire safety systems, failure to inform Mr. Barnes about the fire, malfunctioning CCTV cameras, and delayed notification of emergency services.
The legal representative also highlighted issues such as the spa’s construction materials not being fire-resistant, insufficient fire extinguishers, and various other deficiencies, emphasizing that such accidents are preventable with proper facility design and maintenance.
In response, Alistair Mackenzie, representing Hotel Des Idrissides, disclosed that the fire originated in the sauna of the spa. The hotel staff promptly raised the alarm, attempted to extinguish the fire, and evacuate guests, including Mr. Barnes.
Mackenzie asserted that the hotel complied with Moroccan regulations for such facilities and denied any negligence or breach of duty leading to the fire or Mr. Barnes’ death. He clarified that while smoke alarms were not installed in Mr. Barnes’ room due to humidity concerns, they were operational in nearby areas, along with a suitable alarm system.
The defense also highlighted the presence of emergency lighting, appropriate construction materials, functioning CCTV surveillance, and multiple fire extinguishers on the premises.
Mackenzie further pointed out that the claim documents lacked a clear connection between the alleged actions or omissions and Mr. Barnes’ tragic demise.
