Restaurant owner on trial over deadly gas blast

TDT | Manama

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A restaurant owner accused of triggering a deadly gas explosion that flattened a building in Arad, killing two and injuring six, has gone on trial.

The blast tore through the property on 12 February. Prosecutors say the man, in his fifties, had been running a restaurant inside without proper safety checks or clearance from Civil Defence.

The Lower Criminal Court heard that he was not in the dock. Lawyer Zainab Hassan appeared on his behalf, representing him through advocate Jaafar Marhoon.

She asked for a copy of the case file and time to prepare her defence. The hearing was adjourned to 22 April.

According to prosecutors, the defendant opened the kitchen before fire safety systems were approved.

He is also accused of using unlicensed gas sensors and shut-off valves. When the leak started, they did not work.

No alarms went off. Gas filled the room until it exploded. The force of the blast brought down the building.

Two people were killed. Six others were injured.

Investigation

The Public Prosecution began investigating after a report from Hidd Police Station. Prosecutors visited the scene.

A forensic doctor examined the dead and wounded. Crime scene teams combed through the wreckage.

Gas pipes, debris, burnt walls and broken fittings were collected as evidence.

Statements were taken from survivors, passers-by and Civil Defence personnel.