Al-Weibdeh building collapse witness reveals new details

Jordan

Published: 2023-03-15 21:05

Last Updated: 2024-03-27 23:39


Al-Weibdeh building collapse witness reveals new details
Al-Weibdeh building collapse witness reveals new details

A witness in the case of Al-Weibdeh building collapse revealed that the basement of the residential building was built without a license and was licensed later on based on hypothetical, "not actual," plans.

According to the Jordan News Agency Petra, there was "erosion in the cement" which progressed over the years, adding that the retaining wall in the basement was not made from reinforced concrete.

Following investigations and sample studies, it was determined that building plans were not subjected to inspection, a witness, who is also a structural engineer, said in court.

Additionally, no center column was built on the basement floor since construction, the witness added.

- Background information -

Notably, the relevant authorities revealed back in late December that the reason behind the Al-Weibdeh building collapse was maintenance work that was taking place on the same day of the collapse and the removal of the central column in the basement.

This came during Amman Magistrates Court’s 27th public session.

The Public Prosecution had arrested three persons pending the case, who were later released after their legal detention period ended; the law prohibits the detention of defendants in misdemeanors for a period of more than one month.

On Sept. 13, 2022, a building collapsed in Al-Weibdeh area in Amman, leaving 14 dead and 10 injured.

On Sept. 16, 2022, the last person was pulled out dead from under the rubble of the collapsed building.