OVER 100 persons have died as result of the crane crash in Makkah. Traditionally, as a mark of respect, we do not criticise Saudi Arabia over the usual mismanagement of Haj, the exercise they have been doing over and overagainfordecades.
Butthis crane crashingtragedyisnot understandable. Perhaps facts might come outoftheinvestigation orderedin this case, buttheuprooting ofthe heavy cranes asthe pictures tell us, because of the stormy weather, is not acceptable for two reasons.
First, the meteorological services these daysaresoadvancedthattheycanforecast almost with precision the weather conditions, good or bad. The kingdom must have the latest equipment and, therefore,should have forewarned the pilgrims.
Secondly, how could the heavy crane had such weak foundation that it didn`t withstand the strong wind? Answers to these questions should be made available to assuage the bereaved families.
