- 132 persons hospitalised for various injuries
The Plateau State government has confirmed that a total of 22 lives were lost while 132 other persons sustained injuries in the Saints Academy collapsed school building incident in Jos, the State capital on Friday morning.
This is as the government pleaded with residents of the state to visit Plateau Specialists Hospital for blood donation to save the lives of pupils rescued from the secondary school building that collapsed while students were writing their third term examinations.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon Musa Ashom, who disclosed the casualty figure in a statement, said; “Current situation as of 6:00 pm Friday, 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. A breakdown of hospital admissions and fatalities shows in Plateau State Specialist Hospital (PSSH) 39 hospitalized and 3 deaths.
“In Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) Hospital 32 were hospitalized and 5 deaths. From Bingham University Teaching Hospital 55 were hospitalized and 14 deaths. In Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) 6 hospitalized and 0 deaths. Total: 132 hospitalized and 22 deaths, a total of 154 victims.”
The statement further added that; “Plateau State Government activated emergency response protocols immediately upon notification of the incident. Emergency services, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Red Cross, security agencies, and Healthcare professionals 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 Barrister Mutfwang has specifically instructed these hospitals to accommodate all those affected by the collapse. The government emphasizes the importance of adhering to established safety standards in building construction.”
Citing Executive Order 003, the government urged schools and other facility owners with structural concerns to close their facilities immediately, adding that the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) would conduct inspections to prevent similar incidents in the future
It also said; “A thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse is underway. On behalf of the Plateau State Government, our hearts ache for the families who have lost loved ones in this 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.”
In a related development, the Plateau State Government has called on members of the public to donate blood to save the lives of pupils rescued from the collapsed school building.
The appeal was made by State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon Musa Ashom, in a statement aired at regular intervals on the state-owned radio and television stations in Jos Friday evening.
Appealing to every able-bodied to come forward for blood donation, the statement said; “As a result of the immense casualties from the collapse of a school building in the Busa Buji area of Jos North Local Government Area, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communication Plateau State, Ibrahim Musa Ashom, is appealing to the sense of humanity of members of the public to donate blood at major and government hospitals in the city.
“This is to meet the overwhelming need of victims of the collapse and save lives of mainly schoolchildren. This emergency requires emergency aid from all citizens”.
Forefront News observed that rescue operations by emergency officials from NEMA, SEMA, and FRSC, as well as the Federal and State fire services were still ongoing at the site of the collapsed building as of the time of filing this report.
