Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The insurance company of the Grand Mosque expansion project is required to pay Diya (blood money) to the heirs of the deceased and injured victims of the crane collapse accident at the Grand Mosque, Al-Hayat Arabic daily quoted health insurance experts as saying on Monday. The insurance company is responsible to compensate material damage and human injuries and fatalities caused by the crash of the crane. The total Diya compensation is estimated at SR32 million with an average of SR300,000 for every fatality, said an expert. He said the accident apparently resulted from a natural disaster and must be legally processed as such. “Insurance companies of all public sector projects are aware of the policy regarding natural disasters. Health insurance for all visitors of the Kingdom covers a maximum of SR100,000. However, in the case of emergencies and natural disasters, there is no limit to the coverage,” said the expert. Insurance expert Adham Jad said the insurance company of the expansion project is required to compensate the damage caused to all equipment even if it was a rented equipment. The insurance company is also responsible for covering the treatment cost of the injured. The coverage is not restricted to pilgrims, but includes all victims regardless of nationality and status, said Jad. King Abdulaziz Insurance and Economy Prof. Abdulilah Al-Saati said all insurance companies are aware of the full coverage of natural disasters. “The crane collapse accident was indeed a natural disaster. The crane collapsed because of strong winds and heavy rains last Friday. “The insurance company of the construction project should cover all expenses of human and material damage and loss,” said Prof Al-Saati.
