Nigeria: Children had just arrived at school, laughing and playing, when the school building suddenly collapsed. Twenty-two students died after being trapped under the rubble, and more than 100 others were injured and taken to the hospital.
The entire two-story building has fallen down. Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency confirmed the accident.
The accident occurred at Saints Academy College in the Buji Community of Plateau State in north-central Nigeria. The students had just entered their class when the building collapsed. The students who were killed and injured are reported to be 15 years old or younger.
A total of 155 students were trapped under the debris, but rescue efforts found the bodies of 22 children. The others were rescued safely.
Plateau Police spokesman Alfred Alabo said that the injured children are being treated in various hospitals. As news of the accident spread, thousands of people gathered at the site to help with the rescue alongside rescue teams. Plateau State Information Commissioner Moses Ashoms stated that the government has ordered hospitals to provide treatment to the injured children without requiring documents or payment to ensure they receive care quickly.
The state government blamed the accident on the school's "weak structure" and its location near the riverbank. They have ordered an inspection of all schools with old and crumbling buildings. After reviewing the investigation report, the government may take action to close these schools.
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