Rachel Barnes claims hotel failures led to husband’s death

Anthony Barnes, a 48-year-old from Cambridgeshire, was visiting Marrakech as part of a work trip with colleagues when the tragedy unfolded at the five-star Jaal Riad Resort Hotel.

Barnes, who was director and co-owner of recruitment company The One Group, had booked a treatment at the hotel’s spa shortly after arriving. 

He entered the spa for a massage at around 3pm, but less than an hour later the building was engulfed in flames, with thick smoke seen rising from the roof. 

Barnes and a member of the hotel staff both died in the fire.

Now, his widow Rachel Barnes has brought a claim at the High Court against Hotel Des Idrissides, which operates the resort under the Jaal Riad name, seeking damages of more than £500,000.

Her legal team claims the blaze was linked to alleged safety shortcomings at the spa. 

Barrister Matthew Chapman KC argued that the building was constructed using materials that were not suitably fire-resistant and claimed there were wider issues, including a lack of sufficient fire extinguishers.

However, the hotel company has rejected the allegations and is fighting the claim, arguing that Barnes’ death was not caused by any negligence or breach of responsibility.

Representing the resort operator, Alistair Mackenzie said the fire began inside the spa sauna and claimed hotel employees responded immediately by raising the alarm, attempting to control the flames and helping guests escape.

He also argued that the spa met the safety requirements and regulations that applied to this type of facility in Morocco.

The case will be heard at the High Court, although a date for the hearing has not yet been confirmed.