Saudi officials have interrogated nine engineers and officials of Binladin Group, a multinational conglomerate founded by the father of notorious former al-Qaeda kingpin Osama bin Laden, on Saturday as a part of the ongoing investigation over the crane collapse at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, which killed 107 and injured dozens last month.
Quoting informed sources, Saudi Gazette reported that the country’s Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution (BIP) started reviewing related documents, maintenance contracts and safety measures in the project, related to the contractor. The construction giant has long been regarded in the conservative Islamic kingdom as the government’s favorite contractor for important or sensitive work, including defence and security projects.
Just 24 hours after the deadly incident on September 11, the Saudi authorities had suspended construction giant Saudi Binladin Group from new contracts. The finance ministry also opened probe to review existing projects by the titan of the Arab business world.
The controversial al-Jamarat bridge in Mina, at where the deadliest Hajj stampede in recent history took place, was also built by the firm. The stampede reportedly kill more than 700 people and injured more than a thousand.
Saudi King Salman also ordered that the group’s board members and senior executives be barred from travel abroad.
A preliminary investigation after the incident showed the crane was not erected in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
The disaster was embarrassing for the Saudi ruling family, which defines itself as the custodian of Islam’s holiest places and has embarked on a series of enormous construction projects in Mecca aimed at expanding its pilgrimage sites.
Saudi Gazette reported that if evidence is found on the involvement of any defendant, a charge sheet will be prepared and will be referred to the Criminal Court. The sources added that the charges will focus on negligence, causing loss of lives and damage to properties.
