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Bombed Jordan hotels still estimating damages

Posted On: Nov. 11, 2005 12:04 PM CENTRAL | Add a comment

AMMAN, Jordan—Hotels hit in this week's bombings in Amman, Jordan, are operating under tightened security as they sort out damages and begin repairs.

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Suicide bombers struck at around the same time at three hotels—the Grand Hyatt Amman, the Radisson SAS Hotel Amman and a Days Inn. There were about 60 deaths and 100 injuries in the attacks, which have been linked to the terrorist organization Al Qaeda.

Investigators late last week were looking over a banquet hall on the Radisson property where a wedding reception was taking place when a bomber struck. The hall, another banquet room and the lobby of the hotel were damaged in the blast.

"Security was already extremely tight but has been tightened even more," said Bassam Banna, assistant general manager of the hotel. The hotel is "fully operating," he said. "The area that was damaged is semi-attached to the hotel. The guest rooms were not damaged."

He could not provide specific insurance details, but said coverage is expected to pay for repairs. It was unclear whether a policy written for the Nazzal family, which owns the hotel, or insurance held by Radisson Hotels & Resorts would apply, Mr. Banna said.

Property damage at the Days Inn is expected to amount to around $200,000, according to Khaled Abu Ghoush, general manager of the property. He said lost revenue is expected to total around $50,000 and that loss also is covered.

Mr. Ghoush said coverage for the hotel is written by Arab Europe Insurance Co. in Amman.

"We are fully operational," Mr. Ghoush said. Property damage was limited to broken windows and other minor damage.

Security guards became suspicious of the suicide bomber as he approached the hotel and he was chased to an area adjacent to the hotel's main building, where the bomb was detonated, Mr. Ghoush said.

A heavy contingent of military and police security personnel were helping guard the property, where a wedding reception still was scheduled to be held during the weekend, according to Mr. Ghoush.

Local police assumed control of the Grand Hyatt as the hotel was evacuated after the bombing. The hotel's general manager could not be reached. A statement issued by the hotel said management was working to "assure the safety and relocation" of guests.


For reprints of this story, please contact Lauren Melesio at 212-210-0707 or email lmelesio@crain.com

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