Saudi Arabia bans Binladin Group from taking new projects

Saudi Arabia has suspended Binladin Group, one of the largest construction companies in the country, from taking new projects and banned the group’s affiliates from traveling until investigations into the crane collapse in Makkah's Grand Mosque are completed, according to a statement by the Saudi royal court.

The court said the investigation committee found that strong wind caused the collapse which killed 111 people, ruling out criminal motive, but the crane was put in the wrong position in violation of  technical safety procedures. Site managers also failed to adhere to safety instructions that should be followed in case of bad weather, the committee added.

King Salman ordered SAR 1 million in compensation to families of each victim and SAR 500,000 for the wounded.

However, victims and their families still have the right to sue the company, according to the committee.