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

Homelessness Personal Advisor - Leaving & After Care Team

Essex County Council
£33049.0000 - £37698.0000 per annum
Homelessness Personal Advisor - Leaving & After Care TeamFixed Term, Full Time£33,049 to £37,698 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker - Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£36124.0000 - £51834.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£36,124.00 to £51,834.00 Per Annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Health and Social Care Trainer - North Essex

Essex County Council
£29468 - £34668 per annum
Health and Social Care Trainer - North EssexPermanent, Part Time£29,468 to £34,668 per annum (full time equivalent) Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Practitioner Children, Young People with Disabilities

Essex County Council
£48205.0000 - £57988.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Children and Young People with Disabilities Mid EssexSecondment, Full Time£48,205 to £57,988 Per Annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Service & Case Support Officer (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
£26,403 - £27,255 pro rata
An exciting and unique opportunity has arisen for a permanent part-time member of staff to join the Service & Case Support Team. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner