The Gombe State Government has ordered an immediate investigation into the collapse of a section of the entrance canopy at the ongoing construction site of the new Gombe State House of Assembly Complex.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, claimed one life and left seven construction workers injured.
In a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, Danladi Adamu, the government said the collapse involved a section of the cantilevered entrance canopy that was under construction. It added that five of the injured workers are receiving treatment at the Gombe State Specialist Hospital, while two others are being treated at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Gombe.
The government also directed that all injured workers be given comprehensive medical treatment at the government’s expense. It further directed the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, alongside relevant emergency, regulatory and technical agencies, to immediately commence safety and accountability procedures to determine the cause of the incident.
As part of the investigation, the contractor handling the project and the supervising consultant have been directed to submit a formal incident report within 24 hours.
They are also expected to provide a preliminary investigation report, followed by a comprehensive technical report containing findings and recommendations.
The government said it would allow the outcome of the investigation to guide its decisions and promised to take appropriate action in line with applicable safety and engineering standards.
It reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring strict compliance with safety, quality and engineering standards in the execution of public infrastructure projects across the state, adding that further updates would be provided as verified information becomes available.
