Dear Editor,

Expressions of grief, sadness and condolences and assistances to the survivors and the bereaved are proper first responses to the tragedy on the Diamond Island Bridge. After that, the tragic and unnecessary deaths of demand a comprehensive, unfettered and independent investigation empowered with the resources and authority necessary to determine and disclose the truth about the causes of the tragedy.

Without a proper investigation and public report people from inside and outside the Kingdom can have no confidence that their safety will not be jeopardised in the future. Accountability should not be the only, or even the most important, reason and objective – prevention is more important.  A quick one day internal investigation that identifies a spark that ignited the disaster, without clear, transparent and convincing supporting evidence, is hardly a credible investigative response and does not honour those who died or were injured.  

It is almost certain that there were a number of critical factors that led up to the disaster. And it is certain that there were other times and locations during the festival where similar disasters could have occurred if triggered by a spark. If the government and the festival organisers want to restore their credibility they need to demonstrate the willingness and the courage to uncover and expose the truth and to act accordingly. Anything less might be perceived as a self serving whitewash.

Jim Mizerski