A school building collapse in Jos, Plateau State, has left 17 dead and over 120 trapped. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with many victims receiving urgent medical care. The government cites poor building conditions and location near a riverbank as causes, urging immediate safety inspections of similar structures.
A devastating event unfolded in Jos, Plateau State, when the Saint Academy school building collapsed on Friday morning, resulting in 17 confirmed fatalities and over 120 individuals being trapped. The incident occurred around 8:30 am during school hours. The Plateau State Government expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, attributing it to the building's weak structural integrity and its perilous location near a riverbank.
President William Ruto has responded by appointing Deputy Inspector General Douglas Kanja as the interim police chief. The government's quick response involved NEMA, SEMA, the Red Cross, and various security agencies, all of which played critical roles in the rescue operations. These efforts have been essential in evacuating and providing medical care to the injured.
Health Commissioner Musa Ashoms announced that all hospitals have been instructed to prioritize treatment for the victims without requiring documentation or payment. Hospitals across Jos, including Bingham University Teaching Hospital, OLA Specialist Hospital, and Plateau Specialist Hospital, have reported varying numbers of casualties, with many still receiving medical attention.
The government emphasized the importance of adhering to safety standards to prevent future incidents, urging schools with structural concerns to close immediately for inspection and necessary repairs. This tragic event underscores the need for rigorous enforcement of safety regulations to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
