The article by Rasheed Abou-Alsamh” Campus death: Could it have been averted?” (Feb. 9) has highlighted some serious issues that need immediate attention.

One has to appreciate the writer’s balanced approach, as instead of thrashing the authorities on the basis of one report, he presented both the versions and left the rest to the readers to decide. I fully agree with the writer that female paramedics and fire crew should be trained to deal with such cases. I strongly believe that special women wings of emergency services should be formed.

The writer has also stressed the need for fire drills. Sadly though, the Madinah blaze on Saturday has only supported the writer’s argument.

Firefighting training should be imparted to every staff in a hotel. Such a move will help reduce fatalities in the wake of such accidents.

S.H. Moulana

Riyadh