JEDDAH, 21 April 2003 — Residents and shoppers in Balad were evacuated when part of a five-story building collapsed yesterday morning.
The Civil Defense reported that two units were called to the area about 11 a.m. yesterday after reports that the top floor of the old premises of the Riyad Bank building had collapsed.
Director of Civil Defense Muhammad Al-Ghamdi told reporters that part of the last floor of the building had collapsed and fallen into the floors below while construction work was in progress.
“Because of its weak construction the building has not been in use for a long time. Construction workers began to demolish it partially, but it seems it couldn’t hold itself anymore,” he said.
An eyewitness told Arab News that two construction workers were injured while working on the top floor.
Al-Ghamdi said residential flats and cars next to the site were evacuated as a precaution but nobody was injured.
More than 100 Civil Defense personnel and policemen were called to the scene at King Abdul Aziz Street near the head office of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency while Civil Defense helicopters were hovering overhead.
Al-Ghamdi said that Civil Defense personnel will inspect the site, fearing a further collapse. Peak-hour traffic will be diverted around the area, according to a policeman.
