Israeli PM Orders Investigation into Building Collapse Incident

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon Friday said that a national inquiry committee will be set up to investigate into Thursday's building collapse incident, which killed at least 26 people.

Inspecting the scene in a Jerusalem suburb of Talpiot together with Defense Minister Binyamin Ben Eliezer Friday afternoon, Sharon

told the Israeli television that "I would call this a national Disaster," adding that such an inquiry team will be probably set up next Tuesday.

"All of us are united in the terrible pain of the families. I want to thank all those who lent their hands in assistance without

hesitation ... This is a difficult day, a day of pain. There is a need for all of us to stand together," Sharon said.

Earlier in the day, Sharon expressed shock and regret over the deadly incident, the worst of its kind in Israel's 53-year history.

The tragedy took place at around 10:45 p.m. (1945 GMT) in Talpiot Thursday when about 700 people were gathering in the three-

storey building for wedding celebrations, leaving at least 26 people dead and about 400 wounded.

Some 30 to 60 people are still missing and presumed trapped under the shattered concrete and twisted steel supports, police sources said.

According to the television report, Sharon is closely monitoring and kept informed of the latest developments on the rescue efforts.

The prime minister, personally and on behalf of the government, expressed thanks to the rescue workers for their round-the-clock efforts.

In a statement issued earlier by the Prime Minister's Office, Sharon sent both his personal condolences, and those on behalf of

the government, to the bereaved families, as well as his best wishes for a quick recovery of the injured.

He stressed that the circumstances and causes of the disaster will be thoroughly investigated.

An initial police investigation found that the removal of four supporting columns of the building's reception hall was blamed for the tragedy.

The owner of the hall, the contractor who removed the supporting columns, and the engineer who approved the renovation were taken in

by the police for questioning.

Meanwhile, Israeli Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau announced that the rescue efforts could be continued through the Shabbat, the

Jewish resting day beginning from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, and the upcoming Shavuot holiday on Monday.

The rabbi was quoted by Israel's Army Radio as saying that it acceptable because there may be more survivors under the debris.

Israeli President Moshe Katsav also visited the scene Friday afternoon.

Sharon also thanked U.S. President George W. Bush and the American people for their offers of assistance and messages of condolence in the wake of the disaster.

U.S. ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk conveyed the messages to the affected families and the Israeli government.






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