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In a heart-wrenching tragedy, The Saint Academy in the Jos North district of Plateau State, Nigeria, collapsed last Friday leading to the death of 22 students and leaving hundreds more injured.
The Saint Academy, in central Nigeria, had its two-storey building collapse when students were having their exams last Friday.
Locals claim the collapse was caused by heavy rainfall in the past week, but reports suggest that structural weaknesses might have contributed to the disaster. Many students, including staff members, were trapped in the rubble upon the incident.
Despite emergency services responding quickly, the death toll reached 22, with the possibility of it rising as some of those who were rescued remain in critical condition. Local reports indicate that 154 students were trapped in the rubble.
Later on, 132 of them managed to be rescued and were rushed to nearby hospitals. The local healthcare facilities have been overwhelmed by the sheer number of casualties, prompting calls for additional medical support from neighboring regions.
Parents and relatives of the students gathered at the scene, desperate for news of their loved ones. The atmosphere was charged with grief and anxiety as families awaited word on the fate of their children.
Local authorities, meanwhile, have expressed their condolences to the affected families and have vowed to investigate the incident thoroughly to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State visited the site to oversee rescue operations and offer support to the grieving families. In a press statement, he expressed profound sorrow over the tragic event and promised that the state government would provide all necessary assistance to those affected.
‘The unfortunate collapse of the school building is a distressing incident, made all the more tragic by the sobering realization that it could have been prevented with proper oversight and regulation. It was evident upon inspection that the structure did not meet required standards, and its prolonged existence posed an ongoing threat to the safety of the public.’ He said.
Averting further catastrophe
While there is a huge inquest ongoing and excuses aren’t readily accepted, there are calls to prevent further tragedies from occurring. One of the foremost steps in preventing school collapses is the implementation of stringent building codes and standards, including regular inspections – which clearly weren’t performed in this instance.
Regular inspections by qualified structural engineers can identify potential weaknesses and ensure compliance with safety standards. The Nigerian government, at both federal and state levels, must prioritize the establishment and enforcement of these building codes to protect students and staff.
In addition to regulatory measures, investing in quality construction materials is essential. The use of substandard materials often compromises the integrity of buildings, making them susceptible to collapse. Contractors and builders must be held accountable for sourcing and using materials that meet established safety standards.
As the nation mourns this tragic loss, it is also a moment to reflect and take decisive action to prevent such catastrophes from occurring in the future.
