he victims of the 2015 crane collapse in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, are doubtful over receiving the compensation they were promised by the kingdom’s authorities after reportedly learning that a Mecca court ruled that the company that operated the crane was not responsible for the incident.
“I read in several media outlets today [Wednesday] that the Mecca court ruled on Tuesday that the construction company that operated the crane was not guilty in the incident; hence, it freed the company from any compensation payment obligations. I didn’t know what I was supposed to do. I cannot do anything,” Subandi bin Ahmad Sarbini, 51, a victim from Maros regency, South Sulawesi, told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.
First Adj. Insp. Subandi of the Maros Police said he was optimistic at first that 1 million riyal (US$267,000) in compensation funds promised by the Saudi Arabian government for families of the deceased and paralyzed victims, and 500,000 riyal for those that suffered injuries that were less severe, would be immediately distributed following the visit of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in March.
Moreover, Subandi said, the Saudi Arabian ambassador to Indonesia, Osama bin Mohammed Abdullah Al Shuaibi, had stated on Aug. 30 that the funds were available and ready to be disbursed.
“I was optimistic to hear his statement but, as of today, there was no sign of compensation. Instead, the Mecca court freed the construction company from its responsibilities,” said Subandi.
He said he entrusted the final decision over whether funds would be disbursed to King Salman.
“A king must be wise. It was him who had promised to provide compensation and financial aid for the crane victims. I leave the matter to him,” he said. (ebf)
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