JEDDAH — Gen. Abdullah Jeddawi, Director General of Civil Defense in Jeddah, put the blame for Sunday's gas cylinder explosion in a restaurant in Al-Wazereya district in south Jeddah on the restaurant's owner. Jeddawi said there was clear evidence that the restaurant was lacking in safety measures. At least 24 people were injured in the explosion that rocked the area in the early hours of Sunday. Firefighters and teams from the Saudi Red Crescent and Jeddah police were quick to reach the scene. As firefighters battled to contain the fire, rescue teams searched for possible victims trapped inside. Jeddawi said certain safety measures should not be neglected. Of all things, gas cylinders must be checked for tear and wear all the time, he said, adding that storing gas cylinders in restaurants for later use was illegal. The official called for greater awareness about the consequences of ignoring safety precautions. Jeddawi placed the blame for Sunday's accident squarely on the restaurant's owner and said he would be held responsible for any damage caused to people's lives and property.
