Fatal Collapse at Gombe Assembly Site Prompts State Government Investigation

Following a tragic incident at the new Gombe State House of Assembly Complex construction site, where a section of the entrance canopy collapsed, the Gombe State Government has initiated a comprehensive investigation. The unfortunate event, which took place last Friday, resulted in the death of one construction worker and left seven others injured. State authorities swiftly activated emergency protocols and safety measures in response.

A statement released by Danladi Adamu, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, verified that a total of eight individuals were affected by the collapse. The statement detailed that seven workers sustained injuries and were promptly transported for medical attention; five are currently admitted at the Gombe State Specialist Hospital, while the remaining two are receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe. Sadly, one worker succumbed to injuries from the structural failure.

Governor Muhammadu Yahaya was informed about the incident and conveyed his condolences to the family who lost a loved one. The official statement quoted the Governor as saying, "The Governor expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and directed that all injured workers receive comprehensive medical care at government’s expense."

The state government further announced that Governor Yahaya has instructed the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, in collaboration with relevant emergency services, regulatory bodies, and technical agencies, to immediately implement standard safety and accountability protocols.

Furthermore, the contractor responsible for the project and the consultant overseeing its execution have been mandated to present a formal incident report within a 24-hour timeframe. Mr. Adamu confirmed, "The contractor and the project consultant have been directed to submit a Formal Incident Report within twenty-four (24) hours, to be followed by a Preliminary Investigation Report and, subsequently, a comprehensive technical report with findings and recommendations."

The government clarified that all future steps will be contingent upon the findings of the ongoing inquiry. The statement affirmed, "As the investigation is underway, the Government will allow the established facts to guide all necessary decisions and actions. Appropriate measures will be taken in line with the outcome of the investigation and applicable standards." The administration reiterated its dedication to upholding stringent safety, quality, and engineering benchmarks for all public infrastructure ventures, promising to keep citizens informed as verified details emerge.