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

Transport and Major Work Manager

Slough Borough Council
£54,556 to £60,085 per year Inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance of £1096
Drive the future of transport and infrastructure in Slough Slough, Berkshire
Recuriter: Slough Borough Council

Waste Operations Support Officers

Durham County Council
£28,142-£31,022 (pay award pending)
Temporary until 1 June 2029   Refuse and Recycling are looking for 2 Waste Operations Support Officers to work in the 1 North, and 1 South of County D Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Home Care and Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 - £12,791.50 to £13,412 per annum (Hourly Rate of £13.26, rising to £13.90) - pay award pending.
If you have elderly friends or relatives, you’ll understand the value they place on independence. As a Home Care and Support Worker, you’ll have the Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Waste Recycling Non HGV Driver Chargehand

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 per annum (pay award pending)
Are you an experienced driver with strong leadership skills? We’re looking for a Non-HGV Driver Chargehand to join our Waste and Recycling team. In t Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £3,615 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service!   Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner