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

Shared Planning Lawyer

Broxbourne Borough Council
Up to £68,506 pa
Are you a focused, enthusiastic team player who enjoys a varied and interesting caseload? Borough Offices, Bishops’ College, Churchgate, Cheshunt
Recuriter: Broxbourne Borough Council

Families First Partnership Manager

Nottingham City Council
£58,602 - £62,109
As Families First Partnership Manager, you will play a pivotal role in leading Nottingham’s Families First approach Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Experts at Hand Co-ordinator

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£42,081 - £50,994 per annum
Experts at Hand Co-ordinator
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Governance Professional

North Yorkshire Council
£14.59 to £15.56 per hour
Typically, you will work with an allocation of schools within an agreed geographical area. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker - Disabled Children's Team

North Yorkshire Council
£39,481 to £44,253 per annum
Our 0–18 Disabled Children’s Service takes a holistic and child-centred approach, working with a diverse range of children Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner