A NATIONAL fund-raising campaign has been launched to help families and businesses affected by the collapse of a two-storey building in Arad on Wednesday night following a gas cylinder explosion.
Two people have been confirmed dead in the tragedy which occurred at 7.40pm while six others were rushed to hospital for treatment for various injuries.
The Interior Ministry announced yesterday that the rescue operations had been completed, the site secured and handed over to competent authorities.
Nine fire engines and 51 Civil Defence personnel were involved in the rescue operations.
The fund-raising campaign, which is being spearheaded by the Arad Village Charity Society and supported by Parliament, the Muharraq Municipal Council and charity societies, aims to collect BD100,000 to replace shattered windows and smashed electronics as well as repair cracks and caved-in rooftops of nearby buildings.
According to an initial, and unofficial, assessment, 10 homes and 10 shops were damaged alongside seven cars.
Society chairman Hassan Al Aradi said the Civil Defence is expected to provide a list of eligible beneficiaries once the investigation into the tragedy is completed.
Mr Al Aradi said a gas cylinder exploded in one of the apartments used as accommodation for expatriate workers in the building.
“The tragic accident did not occur because of three gas cylinders of the restaurant in the building, as was earlier suspected,” he said.
“I think this is the most shocking incident ever to happen in Arad village; it could have been worse had it happened late at night when everyone would have been asleep.
“We have been bombarded by residents living in the area asking for help after 10 homes and 10 shops were damaged alongside seven cars within a radius of 400 metres.”
Among the dignitaries visiting the site on Wednesday was Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam who promised all help.
“I am contributing towards fixing family homes and replacing damaged electronics,” said Arad MP Abdulla Al Dhaen.
“I won’t be able to cover all the costs but I am co-ordinating with other MPs and dignitaries to get financing for the fund-raising campaign.”
Muharraq Municipal Council financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman and area councillor Ahmed Al Meghawi also pledged to contribute to the fund.
“The labourers living in the building have been moved to a safe accommodation. Now we need to help residents and expats in nearby homes and buildings who have been affected.”
Jaffari Waqf (Endowment) director Mohammed Al Hussaini visited the nearby Amir Al Mo’mineen Mosque and Haji Abbas Ma’atam to assess the damage caused to them by the building collapse.
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