Plateau State, Nigeria school building collapse: 22 fatalities and 132 people trapped

On the 12^th of July at approximately 11:30 local time a two-storey school building collapsed in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria resulting in 22 deaths. Furthermore, 132 others primarily students were trapped underneath the rubble. The survivors were transferred to the hospital according to a statement of Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency to receive medical care.

Officials stated that among the victims were 18 students and 4 teachers. In addition, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang offered his condolences to the families and stated that the incident could have been avoided. He, also, ruled the hospitals to provide healthcare without charge and documentation.

The reason of the collapse is not known yet and an investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident. The government attributes the collapse to two factors, its location near the riverbank and its weak structure. Due to concerns of another collapse, authorities identified schools with similar conditions and problems and closed them down. It should be noted that building collapses are frequent in Nigeria due to insufficient construction standards and poor materials.