A tragic construction accident at the new Gombe State House of Assembly Complex on Friday left one worker dead and seven others injured following a partial structural collapse.
Mr. Danladi Adamu, Permanent Secretary for the State Ministry of Works, Housing, and Transportation, confirmed that a cantilevered entrance canopy gave way earlier in the day.
While expressing regret over the unfortunate incident, the Permanent Secretary said the affected section was actively under construction when the collapse occurred.
“The incident involved eight workers where seven sustained injuries and were immediately evacuated for medical attention at the hospital.
“Five are receiving treatment at the Gombe State Specialist Hospital, while two others are being treated at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe.
“Regrettably, one life was lost,” he said.
Danladi said Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has been briefed on the incident and that Yahaya expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.
He said that the governor directed that all injured workers receive comprehensive medical care at government’s expense.
The permanent secretary said that the governor also directed his Ministry alongside other relevant emergency, regulatory and technical agencies, to immediately commence safety and accountability procedures.
In the wake of the collapse, Governor Yahaya directed the contractor and project consultant to deliver a Formal Incident Report (FIR) within 24 hours.
This immediate briefing will precede a Preliminary Investigation Report and a definitive technical report outlining the root causes and preventative recommendations.
Warning that appropriate measures will be taken based on the findings, the administration reaffirmed its unwavering stance on safety, quality control, and engineering compliance for all public works.