By Segun Adewale in Gombe
The Gombe State Government has ordered an immediate investigation into the collapse of a section of the ongoing construction of the new Gombe State House of Assembly Complex where a life was lost and eight others sustaining injuries.
The incident which occurred on Friday during construction work, affected the cantilevered entrance canopy of the multi billion naira project.
A statement by the Permanent Secretary, Gombe State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, Danladi Adamu, quoted him saying, “The incident resulted in eight (8) casualties. Seven (7) workers sustained injuries and were immediately evacuated for medical attention at the hospital. Five(5) are receiving treatment at the Gombe State Specialist Hospital, while two (2) others are being treated at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Gombe. Regrettably, one (1) life was lost”.
Danladi Adamu also stated that the State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has been fully briefed on the incident.
According to Danladi Adamu, “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 Governor also directed the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, along with the relevant emergency, regulatory and technical agencies, to immediately commence established safety and accountability procedures.
“Accordingly”, the statement continued, “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.
“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 Gombe State Government remains firmly committed to ensuring strict compliance with safety, quality and engineering standards in the execution of all public infrastructure projects.
“Further updates will be provided as verified information becomes available”.
