PALMA
THE architect, foreman and site manager of the tragic Cala Ratjada hotel renovation disaster have been released without bail but still face the possibility of being charged with accidental manslaughter and infringing workers' rights as the investigation into Tuesday's hotel collapse which claimed the lives of four builders continues.
The three men were released over Thursday night after appearing before a Manacor court hearing.
The intense rain at the beginning of the week continues to be considered the reason why the three-storey annex of the nine floor Hotel Son Moll collapsed on top of the four men who were working in the basement of the extension.
Serrano Hotels which own the hotel are adamant that, as far as they are concerned, all the required norms and procedures were followed but, according to legal sources in Palma, in the worst case scenario, those found to be responsible for the accident could face maximum jail terms of up to six years.
On Monday, a special commission which has been created to assess Capdepera Council's role in the affair will hold its first meeting.
If, as the mayor of Capdepera, Tomeu Alzina claims, the renovation and improvement work was begin carried out without the necessary licenses, the local authority could be accused of negligence for failing to have stopped work on the hotel.