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

Quality and Review Support Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £26,427 - £27,709 (Pro rata)
Applications are invited for the above post within the Quality and Review Team. WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will provide administrative, clerical and typ Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Business Services Senior Co-ordinator

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £31,015 - £34,811
An exciting opportunity has arisen within Business Services for two Business Services Senior Co-ordinators on a temporary basis for 12 months.   We ar Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£29,071 - £32,046 pro rata
The Head Teacher and Governing Body of Tudhoe Moor Nursery School wish to appoint a confident, enthusiastic and highly motivated person to join our Ea Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Business Services Senior Co-ordinator

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £31,015 - £34,811
Are you an experienced administrator who enjoys supporting people, leading a team and making sure services run smoothly? A fantastic opportunity has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Instrument Repair and Maintenance Technician

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £29,071 - £32,046 pro rata, per annum
An exciting opportunity has arisen at Durham Music Service for an Instrument Repair and Maintenance Technician (Grade 6) on a 0.2 FTE fixed-term contr Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner