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

Team Leader – Traffic Network Management

Hounslow London Borough Council
£52,194 – £57,402
We’d love you to join us at the London Borough of Hounslow! Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recuriter: Hounslow London Borough Council

Director of Young People and Opportunities

Newham London Borough Council
£98,994 - £120,507
A defining role for young people in Newham Newham, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Newham London Borough Council

Building Compliance & Reactive Works Manager

East Devon District Council
£36,363 - £42,839
We have an exciting opportunity for a Building Compliance & Reactive Works Manager to join our Buildings and Facilities Management Team. Devon
Recuriter: East Devon District Council

Programme Director – Local Government Reorganisation

Staffordshire County Council
£Competitive
Lead one of the most significant local government transformation programmes in England! Staffordshire / Stoke on Trent
Recuriter: Staffordshire County Council

Executive Director – Place and Prosperity

South Derbyshire District Council
£106,484 up to £115,687 plus an essential car user allowance is also paid.
We are seeking an exceptional Executive Director to help shape the future of South Derbyshire at a pivotal moment in its history. Swadlincote, Derbyshire / Agile
Recuriter: South Derbyshire District Council
Linkedin Banner