Saudi Arabia has announced compensation for the family members of the deceased and those injured in the last Friday’s crane collapse at Makkah’s Grand Mosque.In the Sept 11 mishap, 111 people, including one Bangladeshi, died and over 238 others were injured. Among the injured are at least 40 Bangladeshis. In a royal decree issued on Tuesday, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud ordered to pay Saudi Riyal 1 million (around Tk 20 million) each to the family of those died in the accident and to those who suffered permanent disability, reported Arab News.He also announced SR 500,000 for each of the injured, the daily quoting Saudi Press Agency said. Apart from paying compensation, the king also announced to host two family members of those died for next year’s Hajj, the report added.Those injured who would not be able to complete their pilgrimage this year would be allowed to return next year as the king’s guest. The attendants of the injured undergoing treatment in hospitals would be granted visit visas to remain in the kingdom, the report said.It further said the King Salman also made it clear that the payment would not bar the victims and their families from filing lawsuits in the courts for compensation.”The king also reviewed the report of the investigation committee which concluded that the crane was blown over by strong winds on Friday while the machine was kept in an incorrect position,” Arab News reported.
