The widow of a British man who died in a fire while receiving a massage at a luxury spa is suing the operators of a Moroccan hotel for more than £500,000, alleging negligence caused the blaze.
Background of the Incident
Anthony Barnes, 48, from Cambridgeshire, died in March 2023 while on a business trip at the five-star Jaal Ryad Resort Hotel in Marrakech. A hotel staff member also died in the fire, which broke out in the spa's sauna. His widow, Rachel Barnes, has filed a claim against Hotel Des Idrissides, which trades as the Jaal Ryad, seeking damages for what she says was a preventable tragedy.
Allegations of Negligence
In court documents, Mrs Barnes' barrister, Matthew Chapman KC, argued that the fire was caused by the company's negligence. He claimed that the hotel failed to install or maintain fire and smoke alarm systems and evacuation lighting in the spa, did not inform Mr Barnes about the fire, failed to ensure CCTV cameras were operational, and did not promptly alert emergency services. Additionally, he alleged that the spa was constructed from materials that were not appropriately fire-resistant and lacked sufficient fire extinguishers.
Chapman stated that an inquest in the UK in October 2023 concluded Mr Barnes' death was accidental, as the spa became "filled with thick, acrid smoke which affected visibility and hindered attempts to rescue him." He argued that the company exposed Mr Barnes to "a foreseeable risk of harm and death" through negligent mismanagement of the hotel and its spa facilities.
Hotel's Defense
Alistair Mackenzie, representing Hotel Des Idrissides, denied the allegations, asserting that the fire was not caused by any negligence or breach of duty on the hotel's part. He stated that the building complied with all applicable Moroccan regulations for such a facility. According to Mackenzie, hotel employees raised the alarm, attempted to fight the fire, and tried to evacuate guests, including Mr Barnes.
Mackenzie explained that while smoke alarms were not fitted in the massage room due to humidity levels, they were installed in adjacent areas, which he described as not "unreasonable or negligent." He also claimed that emergency lighting was present, materials used in construction were suitable and widely used, CCTV cameras operated in access routes to the room, and multiple working fire extinguishers were available. He argued that the claim failed to specify how the alleged acts or omissions caused Mr Barnes' death.
Legal Proceedings
A hearing for the claim has yet to be scheduled. The case highlights the legal responsibilities of hotels in ensuring guest safety, particularly in high-risk areas like spas. Mrs Barnes seeks justice for her husband's death, while the hotel maintains its compliance with safety standards.
