A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Nigeria as a school building collapsed in Plateau state, resulting in the death of several children at Saints Academy. The devastating collapse occurred while students were attending classes, leaving many trapped under the rubble and parents desperately searching for their children. The shocking turn of events at the school in Jos North district has led to a frantic rescue mission by emergency workers and officials, with reports indicating at least 16 students have lost their lives, though the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The vast number of pupils at the school, estimated to be over 1,000, has only added to the scale of the tragedy, with local residents expressing their shock and grief over the incident. The cause of the building collapse remains under investigation, with locals attributing it to heavy rainfall in the region in recent days. In the midst of the chaos, stories of survival and loss have emerged, with injured students recounting their harrowing experiences and witnesses describing the chaotic scene of the collapse. The unfortunate incident has once again highlighted the issue of building safety in Nigeria, with previous collapses being linked to factors such as poor construction practices, substandard materials, and corruption in the construction industry. As the rescue efforts continue and the community comes together in the face of tragedy, the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the construction sector is underscored, in order to prevent such disasters from recurring in the future. For more updates on this developing story and other news from Africa, visit BBCAfrica.com and follow @BBCAfrica on social media platforms for the latest updates and coverage.
Tragedy Strikes as Children Killed in Nigeria School Collapse, Local Officials Confirm Numerous Fatalities
