Saudi Arabia to probe 40 suspects in Makkah crane collapse

Saudi Arabia’s Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution (BIP) is reviewing the documents of 40 suspects said to be involved in the September crane crash that killed over 100 at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi daily Al-Watan has reported, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.

The accused include 30 top officials that are directors and technicians working for Saudi Binladin Group, which is the construction company responsible for the expansion project, and 10 others from government departments.

The sources expect more names to be added to the list as investigations continue in the coming weeks.

Defendants may face charges of negligence due to the loss of lives and properties, and may have discretionary verdicts in addition to paying compensation, the sources said.

Last September, at least 107 people died and more than 230 people were injured when a crane collapsed in Makkah as Muslim pilgrims visited the area.

King Salman Bin Abdulaziz ordered that the families of those killed to be paid SAR 1 million as compensation. The injured victims or their families still have the right to file lawsuits against Binladin Group.