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.’

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Ugobus Driver - Chelmsford

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.0000 per annum
Ugobus Driver - ChelmsfordPermanent, Part TimeUp to £25,959 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Transport Coordinator

Essex County Council
£37614.0000 - £44251.0000 per annum
Transport CoordinatorPermanent, Full Time£37,614 to £44,251 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Team Administrator

Gloucestershire County Council
£25,185 - £25 989
Are you looking to join a friendly and supportive administration team at Gloucestershire County Council? Gloucester, Gloucestershire
Recuriter: Gloucestershire County Council

Administration Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 5 £26,403 - £28,598 (Pay award pending)
Are you an organised and proactive administrator who is passionate about supporting learners to achieve their potential? Join DurhamLearn and become Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Highways Trainer (2 Posts)

Derbyshire County Council
£35,422 - £38,730
Are you passionate about developing people and ensuring compliance across a complex operational service? Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council
Linkedin Banner