Key Takeaways
- A section of the entrance canopy at the Gombe State House of Assembly Complex construction site collapsed, causing one fatality and injuring seven workers.
- The Gombe State Government has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
- The government has directed that all injured workers receive comprehensive medical treatment at its expense.
The Gombe State Government has initiated an immediate investigation into the collapse of a section of the entrance canopy at the ongoing construction site of the new Gombe State House of Assembly Complex. The incident, which occurred on Friday, resulted in the loss of one life and left seven construction workers injured.
According to a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, Danladi Adamu, the collapse involved a section of the cantilevered entrance canopy that was under construction. Five of the injured workers are receiving treatment at the Gombe State Specialist Hospital, while two others are being treated at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Gombe.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and directed that all injured workers should receive comprehensive medical treatment at the government’s expense. The governor further directed the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, alongside relevant emergency, regulatory and technical agencies, to immediately commence safety and accountability procedures to determine the cause of the incident.
Investigation and Follow-Up
As part of the investigation, the contractor handling the project and the supervising consultant have been directed to submit a formal incident report within 24 hours. They are also expected to provide a preliminary investigation report, followed by a comprehensive technical report containing findings and recommendations. The government said it would allow the outcome of the investigation to guide its decisions and promised to take appropriate action in line with applicable safety and engineering standards.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring strict compliance with safety, quality and engineering standards in the execution of public infrastructure projects across the state, adding that further updates would be provided as verified information becomes available. This incident highlights the importance of prioritizing safety protocols and adherence to engineering standards in construction projects to prevent such tragedies.
Why This Matters
This incident serves as a reminder of the need for stringent safety measures and accountability in construction projects to protect workers' lives and prevent accidents. The outcome of the investigation will be crucial in determining the cause of the collapse and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.