Restaurant Owner Ignored Civil Defence Protocols Before Deadly Arad Gas Blast

TDT | Manama

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A restaurant owner will stand trial following a deadly gas explosion in Arad that resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left six others injured. The Public Prosecution has concluded its investigation, revealing serious safety violations that led to the tragic incident.

According to the Deputy Chief of the Muharraq Prosecution, the man responsible for the establishment ignored critical safety protocols, failed to install mandatory equipment, and unlawfully opened the premises before receiving clearance from Civil Defence authorities.

The powerful blast, which originated from a gas leak inside the ground-floor restaurant, caused the entire building to collapse. Those inside had no chance of escape, prosecutors stated.

Charges filed against the restaurant owner include causing death and injury through negligence, and breaching safety regulations. The case has now been referred to the criminal court for trial.

Authorities acted swiftly after receiving a police report from Al Hidd. Prosecutors, forensic experts, and crime scene investigators visited the site to examine the damage firsthand. A forensic pathologist was assigned to assess the deceased and the injured, while testimonies were collected from survivors, eyewitnesses, Civil Defence personnel, and officials involved in safety inspections.

The investigation found that gas had been leaking within the restaurant over a period of time, eventually igniting and triggering the explosion. The exact source of ignition remains undetermined.

The tragedy has once again highlighted the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols in commercial establishments, particularly those handling flammable substances.