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.’

LocalGov Weekly Round Up image

LocalGov Weekly Round Up

A pivotal week for councils sees fresh devolution plans, new service pilots and key legal and political battles, writes LocalGov editor William Eichler.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Community Support Worker

Essex County Council
£25395.00 - £32131.00 per annum
Community Support WorkerPermanent, Full Time£25,395 to £32,131 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Cafe Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum
Cafe AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Residential Assistant - ASC

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £25395.00 per annum
Residential Assistant - ASCPermanent, Part Time£25,081 up to £25,395 per annum pro rataLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

AAT 4 Qualified Accounting Technician

Essex County Council
£28090.00 - £33047.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
AAT 4 Qualified Accounting TechnicianPermanent, Full Time£28,090 to £33,047 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Accounting Officer

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Accounting OfficerPermanent, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner