The collapse of a section of the entrance canopy at the ongoing construction site of the new Gombe State House of Assembly Complex has triggered an immediate investigation by the Gombe State Government, following a tragic incident that claimed one life and injured seven construction workers on Friday. The accident occurred at the site located in Gombe metropolis, where the state government has been advancing the development of a modern legislative complex to serve as the new seat of the state’s legislative arm. Authorities have since activated emergency response protocols and directed full medical care for the injured at public health facilities.
According to a statement released by Danladi Adamu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, the collapsed structure was a cantilevered entrance canopy still under construction. The government confirmed that five of the injured workers are currently receiving treatment at the Gombe State Specialist Hospital, while two others are being managed at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Gombe. All medical expenses for the injured have been covered by the state government, underscoring its commitment to the welfare of workers on public projects.
The state government has ordered a thorough safety and accountability investigation, involving the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, as well as emergency, regulatory, and technical agencies. The contractor responsible for the project and the supervising consultant have been instructed to submit a formal incident report within 24 hours. This is followed by the requirement to produce a preliminary investigation report and a comprehensive technical report that includes findings and recommendations for preventing future occurrences.
The government emphasized that the outcome of the investigation will guide all subsequent decisions, and that appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with safety and engineering standards. It also reaffirmed its determination to enforce strict compliance with quality, safety, and technical benchmarks in all public infrastructure projects across the state. The directive underscores the administration’s focus on transparency and accountability in public works.
As the investigation unfolds, the government has pledged to provide further updates as verified information becomes available. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety in construction zones, particularly on high-profile public projects. The state’s swift response reflects its intent to uphold public trust and ensure that infrastructure development proceeds with the highest standards of safety and responsibility.
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