Ellie Ames 17 May 2024

Council launches investigation after five-year-old dies in tower block fall

Council launches investigation after five-year-old dies in tower block fall image
Image: Google Maps

Newham Council will carry out an investigation following the death of a five-year-old boy who fell from a tower block of flats in east London on Thursday.

Aalim Makail fell from an upper floor of Jacobs House in New City Road, Plaistow, at around 6am on Thursday (16 May). He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Metropolitan Police said his death was not being treated as suspicious.

Newham Council chief executive Abi Gbago said: ‘Yesterday was a heartbreaking and tragic day for all concerned, and we are united both in our grief, and in our determination to ensure the family are fully supported.

‘We are undertaking a full investigation to reach the fullest possible understanding of what happened, and will fully support any other investigations.’

An anonymous resident of Jacobs House told the BBC the windows were of poor quality and that their design on high floors meant they were not safe for children.

The resident said: ‘You can actually unlatch the windows in the living room, kitchen and one of the bedrooms wide open which is clearly not meant to be safe. If a latch does break, it will not close properly and it could blow wide open no matter what.’

It has also been reported that the boy's aunt claimed that his mother had complained to the council about the windows being unsafe.

A spokesperson for the Building Safety Regulator said: ‘We are engaging with the appropriate agencies to understand the facts.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Educational Psychologist - Main Grade

Essex County Council
£43483.0000 - £63394.0000 per annum
Educational Psychologist - Main GradePermanent, Full TimeSoulbury Psychologists Scale A from 3 to 8 plus SPA opportunityLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Director of Family Services & Strategic Partnerships

North Northamptonshire Council
£97,632 - £108,033
Creating Brighter Futures – Where Leadership Sparks Magic North Northamptonshire
Recuriter: North Northamptonshire Council

Assistant Director – Education, SEND and Inclusion

North Northamptonshire Council
£97,632 - £108,033
Creating Brighter Futures – Where Leadership Sparks Magic North Northamptonshire
Recuriter: North Northamptonshire Council

Casual Front Of House and Events Assistant

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Salary From £14.28- £18.85 Depending on Skills,
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Contracts Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £30,024 to £33,699 per annum
We are looking for an individual who has excellent customer service skills to join the team for a period of 12 months. WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will be Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner