Probe starts into mosque roof collapse

Authorities have detained the Yemeni contractor of a mosque under construction in eastern Jeddah after the roof collapsed, killing one man and injuries eight others.

Saudi media on Sunday reported that the search continued for more victims under the wreckage in the Al-Manar district.

Colonel Abdullah Al-Jiddawi, acting director of the Civil Defence in Jeddah, said the contractor was detained on the charge of recruiting workers in violation of residency regulations, Saudi Gazette reported.

He told the paper that the workers' lack of experience and knowledge in the basics of construction may have contributed the roof’s collapse.

Investigators were attempting to ascertain whether the contractor had obtained a proper construction license, Al-Jiddawi added.

He said despite the contractor’s assurances that only eight people were at the site at the time of the collapse, authorities continued their search for other possible victims.

Captain Abdullah Al-Amri, spokesman of the Civil Defence in Makkah region, told the paper the 750 sq m roof collapsed on Friday while cement was being poured on it.

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