Ellie Ames Friday, May 17, 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

Social Worker - Kindship Assessment Team, Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£38487.0000 - £51834.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Kindship Assessment Team, Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£38,487 to £51,834 Per Annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Business Support Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum
Business Support AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,959 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

ASC Social Worker

Essex County Council
£38487.0000 - £51834.0000 per annum
ASC Social Worker - Harlow North and South Integrated Neighbourhood TeamPermanent, Full Time£38,487 to £51,834 Per Annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

SEND Strategy and Innovation Admin Support

Essex County Council
£25959.00 - £28621.00 per annum
SEND Strategy and Innovation Admin SupportFixed Term, Part Time£25,959 up to £28,621 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Digi-go Driver

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum
Digi-go DriverPermanent, Full Time£25,959 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner