Updated] 15 Students Confirmed Dead, 77 injured In Jos School Building Collapse

-As Plateau Hospitals Overwhelmed With Victims

No fewer than 15 dead bodies of victims of Saint Academy school building collapse in Jos have been deposited at three mortuaries, while 77 persons are receiving treatment at various hospitals in Jos the Plateau State Capital.

CityMirrorNews reports that parents who have not seen their children have been rushing to the various hospitals to identify the location and condition of their children.

Investigation revealed that five corpses were deposited at our lady of apostles hospital mortuary while 27 receiving treatment

Also Bingham Teaching hospital morgue, 8 corpses were deposited and 16 receiving treatment, again two death were recorded at plateau specialist hospital, and 34 students are receiving treatment, with two of the victims having spinal cord injuries.

Our Correspondent gather that some injured were also taken to Jos University Teaching Hospital and others within Jos, the Plateau State Capital for immediate medical attention.

Also the joint security task force operation safe haven has mobilized five hilux vehicles and thirty troops to compliment the rescue operation.

CityMirrorNews correspondent observed that excavators, volunteers, alongside security personnel and members of the red cross are still rescuing trapped students under the rubble.

Plateau State Commissioner of Information, Hon. Musa Ashoms while briefing Journalists at the scene of school building collapse in Jos, expressed concern over the avoidable tragedy, citing the school’s weak structure and unsafe location near a riverbank.

He praised the efforts of NEMA, SEMA, and security agencies in rescuing trapped children and transporting them to hospitals.

“The government has instructed hospitals to prioritize treatment without documentation or payment, and the Commissioner of Health has ordered all major hospitals in Jos to attend to the victims. Approximately 200 people were trapped, and many have been evacuated”

Ashoms emphasized the importance of adhering to safety standards, citing Executive Order 003, which aims to ensure public safety. He urged schools with similar issues to close down and called for inspections to prevent future incidents.

“The government commiserates with affected families and emphasizes the need for clearance from the Jos Metropolitan Development Board for any structure erected in the state.

He highlights the importance of prioritizing safety standards to prevent tragedies and ensure the well-being of citizens, especially children.

However the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) has commenced an investigation into the recent school building collapse in Jos, Plateau State.

Zonal Coordinator for North Central, disclosed that a team from the zonal office has collected samples for laboratory testing to determine the cause of the collapse.

He said the investigation will encompass soil investigations, material testing, and a review of the building’s regulatory compliance, including professional involvement and approval. The findings will inform policy recommendations to prevent similar incidents.

“NBRRI has a history of conducting investigations in Plateau State and the North Central region, including a recent probe into a building collapse in Terminus. The institute plans to conduct integrity assessments of public buildings in Plateau State and the North Central region, starting next week, to ensure their safety and prevent potential collapses.

“The assessments will focus on high-rise buildings, churches, markets, and schools, considering the heavy rainfall in the region. The institute aims to prioritize public safety through these measures.

Mr. Tyosar emphasized that NBRRI’s role is to conduct research and make recommendations, while regulation and development control fall under the purview of the Games.

House of Reps Member Representing Jos North, Bassa Federal Constituency Hon. Daniel Asama has expressed his condolences to the families affected by the tragic school building collapse in Jos, Plateau State. Describing the incident as a “black Friday,” Asama acknowledged the pain and uncertainty surrounding the tragedy.

While awaiting the outcome of the investigation, Asama assured his constituents that he will not rest until the cause of the collapse is determined and measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future. He believes that building collapses are often due to human errors, which must be identified and mitigated.

Asama acknowledged the support of his colleagues, including the member representing Rukuba Irigwe and the chairman of Jos North local government, Sam. He emphasized the need for collective action to address the issue, stating that building collapses have become too frequent in Jos, with this incident being the second in just a few years.

The lawmaker vowed to work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that measures are put in place to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

He said his commitment to the people of Jos is to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth and ensuring the safety of lives and properties in the constituency.