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

Principal Planner

North Yorkshire Council
£47,181 - £51,356
Are you ready to take the next step in your planning career? Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Technical Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£29,064 - £31,537 per annum
Would you like to be part of one of our friendly and welcoming Highways teams. Thirsk, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Children's Home Residential Practitioner (Bank Staff)

Gloucestershire County Council
£30,024 - £32,597 per annum (plus enhanced pay)
Are you driven by purpose and a deep belief that every child deserves safety, love, and the chance to thrive? Gloucester, Gloucestershire
Recuriter: Gloucestershire County Council

Team Manager

Gloucestershire County Council
£52,413 - £54,495 per annum
We are currently recruiting for Team Manager to join our dedicated Children in Care Team. Gloucester, Gloucestershire
Recuriter: Gloucestershire County Council

Senior Family Support Worker

Gloucestershire County Council
£37,280 - £40,777 per annum
We are currently recruiting for Senior Family Support Worker Gloucester, Gloucestershire
Recuriter: Gloucestershire County Council
Linkedin Banner