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

Head of Building Control

London Borough of Merton
MGC - £69,807 - £74,790 per annum
Help shape Merton’s future Merton, London (Greater)
Recuriter: London Borough of Merton

Service Director – Children's Social Care

West Berkshire Council
From £106,618 to £113,740 (Grade O)
Shape what comes next for children and families Newbury - Council Offices, Market Street
Recuriter: West Berkshire Council

Restorative Justice Practitioner

Essex County Council
£26284.00 - £33256.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Restorative Justice PractitionerPermanent, Full Time£26,284 to £33,256 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Digital and Data Support Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 5 £27,274 - £29,542
Join our team as a Digital & Data Project Support Officer and help shape the future of Culture, Sport, and Tourism!   WHAT IS INVOLVED?    In this vi Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Operational Support Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 (£26,427 - £27,709)
Are you an organised and customer-focused individual looking for an opportunity to support a busy frontline service?   We have an exciting opportunity Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner