A devastating school collapse in Jos, Nigeria on Friday, July 12, 2024, has claimed at least 21 lives and left 69 others injured, according to the Red Cross. The two-story Saint Academy building in Plateau State collapsed while students were taking exams, initially trapping approximately 120 people under the rubble.Rescue efforts began immediately, with emergency services and local residents using heavy machinery to reach victims. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is leading the search and rescue operations. Eyewitnesses reported hearing trapped students crying for help beneath the debris.The cause of the collapse is still under investigation. However, local residents suggest it may be linked to three days of heavy rainfall in the area. This incident has reignited concerns about building safety in Nigeria, where lax construction standards, poor maintenance, and the use of substandard materials often contribute to such disasters.In response to the tragedy, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has instructed hospitals to prioritize treatment for survivors without requiring documentation or payment. The incident has also prompted calls for stricter enforcement of building codes and the implementation of the Greater Jos Master Plan to prevent future catastrophes.This collapse is not an isolated incident in Nigeria. Since 2005, at least 152 buildings have collapsed in Lagos alone, according to a South African researcher. In 2021, a similar incident in Lagos resulted in at least 45 deaths when a building under construction collapsed.As the community grapples with this tragedy, questions are being raised about the structural integrity of other schools and buildings in the area, and the need for more rigorous safety inspections and enforcement of building regulations.
Key points
- A school collapse in Jos, Nigeria has resulted in at least 21 deaths and 69 injuries.
- The collapse occurred during exams, trapping around 120 people initially.
- Heavy rainfall and poor construction standards are potential factors in the collapse.
- The incident highlights ongoing issues with building safety and regulation enforcement in Nigeria.
Contradictions👾Initial reports varied on the number of casualties, with earlier articles reporting 16 deaths and later ones confirming 21 deaths.
👾Some sources reported 200 students trapped, while others mentioned around 120.
