Tragedy struck in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, early Friday morning when a two-storey school building collapsed, resulting in the death of 14 students and injuring 90 others. The incident occurred at Saint Academy, a secondary school located opposite Busa Buji Bridge in the Jos North local government area, around 9:45 am while students were taking their promotional examinations.
As of 4:00 pm on Friday, reports indicated that seven students’ bodies had been received at Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) Hospital, four at Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), and one at Plateau Specialist Hospital.
Professor Chris Yilgwan, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Plateau Specialist Hospital, reported: “A total of 38 casualties have been brought to the hospital so far. We have one confirmed dead, three with spinal cord injuries who have been referred for scanning, and the rest are still receiving attention in the emergency ward.” He noted that the exact number of casualties was still uncertain as ambulances continued to transport victims from the collapse site.
Mrs. Chioma Ofodile, the Public Relations Officer of Our Lady of Apostles Hospital, confirmed five deaths, stating that the bodies had been deposited at the mortuary. She added that 25 others were receiving treatment at the hospital.
The collapsed sections were those of SS1, SS2, and SS3 students, who were reportedly trapped under the rubble. The school’s principal, Daremola Okundayo, confirmed that the collapse occurred around 11:00 am, affecting approximately 200 students and teachers.
“A good number of them have been rescued. Unfortunately, we lost some, but more than 30 students who were rescued are currently in stable condition. We pray for their swift recovery,” said Okundayo.
Professor Stephen Anzaku, the Chief Medical Director of Bingham University Teaching Hospital, acknowledged receiving mass casualties from the incident. “Some were brought in dead, while others are currently admitted and in stable condition,” he stated.
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