The Gombe State Government has ordered an immediate investigation into the collapse of a section of the cantilevered entrance canopy at the construction site of the new Gombe State House of Assembly Complex, an incident that claimed the life of one worker and left seven others injured.
The incident occurred on Friday at the ongoing construction site, prompting the state government to activate emergency response and safety procedures.
In a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, Danladi Adamu, the government confirmed that eight workers were involved in the incident.
According to the statement, seven injured workers were immediately evacuated for medical treatment, with five receiving care at the Gombe State Specialist Hospital and two others at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe.
The statement added that one worker died as a result of the collapse.
It noted that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya had been briefed on the development and expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased.
“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 statement said.
The government disclosed that the governor had directed the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, alongside relevant emergency, regulatory and technical agencies, to immediately commence established safety and accountability procedures.
According to the statement, both the contractor handling the project and the supervising consultant have been instructed to submit a formal incident report within 24 hours.
“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,” Adamu stated.
The government said it would allow the outcome of the investigation to determine subsequent actions.
“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 statement added.
It reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing safety, quality and engineering standards in the execution of public infrastructure projects, assuring residents that further updates would be provided as verified information becomes available.