Tragedy Strikes: 17 Dead, Over 120 Trapped in Plateau School Building Collapse

 

The Plateau State Government has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic collapse of a school building in Jos, the state capital, on Friday. The Saint Academy building, situated in the Busa Buji community, collapsed around 8:30 AM, while students and teachers were in their classrooms.

As of now, 17 individuals have been confirmed dead, and over 120 people remain trapped under the debris. The State Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, provided an update on the incident, emphasizing the severe nature of the tragedy.

Ashoms stated, “The Plateau State Government is deeply saddened by the collapse of the Saint Academy building in Jos, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries. Rescue operations are ongoing, with affected students and teachers being transported to various hospitals in Jos."

The commissioner highlighted the avoidable nature of the tragedy, pointing out the school's weak structure and precarious location near a riverbank. He commended the prompt response from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Red Cross, and security agencies in rescuing those trapped.

To expedite medical treatment, the government has instructed hospitals to prioritize the victims' care without requiring documentation or payment. “The Health Commissioner has directed all major hospitals in Jos to attend to the victims immediately,” Ashoms added.

The incident has spotlighted the critical need for strict adherence to safety standards. Ashoms underscored the significance of Executive Order 003, urging schools with structural issues to close temporarily to prevent future disasters.

The Executive Secretary of SEMA, Sunday Abdu, confirmed that the rescue operations have concluded for the day. He reported that at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, there are 13 fatalities and 43 individuals receiving medical treatment. OLA Specialist Hospital is treating over 40 people, and Plateau Specialists Hospital has recorded four deaths with 40 individuals under medical care. The number of casualties at Jos University Teaching Hospital remains unconfirmed.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of structural integrity and safety standards in preventing such catastrophes.