Twenty persons have now been confirmed dead and 132 injured in the aftermath of the collapse of a building at Saint Academy Jos, Plateau State.
The building collapsed during the third term examinations on Friday, engulfing students and teachers in chaos and sorrow.
The Plateau Commissioner for Information and Communication, Musa Ashoms, in a statement on Friday, said that the building, located in the Busa Buji community of Jos North LGA, collapsed due to structural deficiencies exacerbated by its construction on a waterlogged area.
The statement reads, “The Plateau State Government expresses its deepest condolences following the tragic building collapse at Saint Academy Jos on July 12, 2024. The collapse resulted in 154 fatalities and injuries. Emergency responders are currently at the scene conducting search and rescue operations.
“Current situation as of 6pm, 154 people have been rescued from the debris. Sadly, 22 individuals have been confirmed deceased. Injured students and staff are receiving medical treatment at various hospitals across Jos.”
Giving the breakdown of the casualties, he said, “Breakdown of hospital admissions and fatalities: Hospital, Patients and Number Deaths- Plateau State Specialist Hospital (PSSH) 39 hospitalised and three deaths; Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) Hospital 32 hospitalised and five deaths: Bingham University Teaching Hospital 55 hospitalised and 14 deaths; Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) six hospitalised and 0 deaths. Total: 132 hospitalised and 22 deaths, a grand total of 154 victims.”
Emergency response teams including the National Emergency Management Agency, State Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross, security forces, and medical professionals have been tirelessly working at the scene since the incident was reported.
The commisssioner said, “To ensure prompt medical attention, the government has directed all major hospitals in Jos to prioritise treatment of the victims, regardless of documentation or payment.
“Governor Mutfwang has specifically instructed these hospitals to accommodate all those affected by the collapse.
“He, however, emphasised the importance of adhering to established safety standards in building construction.
“Citing Executive Order 003, he urged schools and other facility owners with structural concerns to close their facilities immediately.
“The Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) will conduct inspections to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
Ashoms emphasised the government’s swift activation of emergency protocols upon learning of the collapse, ensuring that all affected victims receive urgent medical attention across various hospitals in Jos.
He also announced ongoing investigations into the cause of the collapse and assured that the government is committed to preventing such tragedies in the future through stringent building inspections.
He said, “On behalf of the Plateau State Government, our hearts ache for the families who have lost loved ones in this terrible tragedy.
“We extend our deepest sympathies and offer our unwavering support during this incredibly difficult time. We are committed to ensuring the best possible medical care for the injured and will conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the collapse.
“The safety and well-being of our citizens, especially our children, is our top priority. We urge all schools to strictly adhere to safety regulations and obtain necessary clearances from the JMDB before construction.”
