Three municipal officials found guilty of causing shock deaths

JEDDAH, 17 August — Jeddah Municipality has found three of its employees guilty of causing the death of three people including a six-year-old girl from electric shock in Rabigh.

Jeddah Mayor Abdullah Al-Muallami told Arab News that the three were found guilty following an investigation conducted by a special committee.

The deaths were caused by exposed electricity wires lying on the road and Corniche in Rabigh. He said the panel held three officials at the maintenance department responsible for the deaths.

“We have already presented a report on the investigation to Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed to take necessary action,” the mayor said.

Municipality technicians had earlier presented a report to the maintenance department pointing out the need for repairing some electric posts and wires in Rabigh.

The maintenance chief did not take quick action to repair the electric posts and wires, thus causing the accidents.

Muallami said a special committee at the municipality would question the negligent officials and will be given a chance to defend themselves.

The deaths in Rabigh were caused by exposed electric wires stretching from the post to the road.

One of the dead was a municipal worker, who died of shock while watering a garden.

The Saudi girl died while playing in the Corniche. The girl’s father told Arab News that he had filed a petition to the authorities urging them to take action against those behind the death of his daughter.

•At Jeddah Corniche, meanwhile, patrol police confiscated 54 horses, eight camels and 10 horse-driven carriages from expatriates for renting them to visitors without license.

Police also arrested a number of illegal street vendors and confiscated their goods.

Seven patrol police teams have been appointed at Jeddah Corniche recently to maintain law and order and ensure security of visitors and tourists.

The patrol police, who work round the clock, will also be involved in enhancing public awareness by distributing pamphlets and providing guidance to visitors.

The duties of the new patrol police include protection of public facilities including gardens, monuments, recreation facilities and resting chairs in the area.