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

Director of Digital, Data and Technology

Tower Hamlets London Borough Council
£139,000 per annum
Shape the future of a digitally enabled borough Tower Hamlets, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Director of Adult Social Care Commissioning

Tower Hamlets London Borough Council
£130,000 per annum
Transforming outcomes through integrated commissioning Tower Hamlets, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Tower Hamlets London Borough Council
£145,000 per annum
Leading innovative, strengths-based social care that enables residents to live fulfilling and independent lives Tower Hamlets, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Director of People & Organisational Development

Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority
Up to £120,000 per annum
Design the people foundations of a new organisation before they become someone else’s legacy. Hybrid, working across Sussex. Relocation support available
Recuriter: Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority

Director of Law, Governance & Compliance (Monitoring Officer)

Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority
c£120,000
Design how a new strategic authority governs itself, then lead it into its first mayoral term. Hybrid, working across Sussex. Relocation support available
Recuriter: Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority
Linkedin Banner