Tears as 22 pupils killed,132 injured in school building collapse

Plateau State Government says 22 persons have died and one hundred and thirty-two persons injured after the collapse of a classroom structure at Saint Academy located at the Busa Buji community in Jos North Local Government Area of the state.

The Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication Musa Ashoms said this in a statement on Friday evening.

“As of 6:00 pm, 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.”

Africa Update reports that Ashoms had earlier visited the scene of the collapsed two-storey structure and said while the school had a population of 400 students, the section that was affected had about 200 persons.

The statement read in part, “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 6:00 pm, 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.

“Breakdown of Hospital Admissions and Fatalities: Hospital, Patients and number Deaths. Plateau State Specialist Hospital, 39 hospitalised and three deaths; Our Lady of Apostles Hospital, 32 hospitalised and five deaths; Bingham University Teaching Hospital, 55 hospitalised and 14 deaths. Jos University Teaching Hospital, six hospitalised and zero deaths.

“Total: 132 hospitalised and 22 deaths, a grand total of 154 victims.”

The commissioner added, “The Plateau State Government activated emergency response protocols immediately upon notification of the incident.

“Emergency services include the National Emergency Management Agency, State Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross, security agencies, and healthcare professionals who have been working collaboratively in search, rescue and resuscitation efforts.

“To ensure prompt medical attention, the government has directed all major hospitals in Jos to prioritize treatment of the victims, regardless of documentation or payment.

“The Governor, (Caleb) Mutfwang, has specifically instructed these hospitals to accommodate those affected by the collapse.”

According to the statement, the government equally emphasises the importance of adhering to established safety standards in building construction.

Citing Executive Order 003, the government urges schools and other facility owners with structural concerns to close their facilities immediately.

“The Jos Metropolitan Development Board will conduct inspections to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The commissioner said a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapsed building was underway.

Earlier, tears flowed freely on Friday as parents and sympathisers gathered at the scene of a school building collapse.

Reports had emerged that the school building located in Busa Buji community caved in around 8:30am on Friday when the students and teachers were in their classes.

Tinubu mourns

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu on Friday night received with profound grief the news of the tragic collapse of a school building, which resulted in multiple deaths and many surviving victims in Jos, Plateau State,

“Tinubu describes the unfortunate incident as a huge loss to the nation, as well as a devastating development – too excruciating to imagine,” a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said on Friday.