A five-year-old boy fell to his death from the kitchen window of his 15th floor flat at an east London tower block, an inquest has heard.
Aalim Makail Ahmed landed on railings below 15-storey Jacobs House on New City Road, Newham, last Thursday (May 16) morning.
He was discovered by his father, whose anguished cries alerted members of the public, an inquest opened by east London coroner Ian Wade KC heard on Friday.
His death would have been “instantaneous”, the court heard.
Court officer Jean Smyth told the court: “Shortly before 6am on May 16, members of the public alerted the emergency services to the sounds of intense distress in the vicinity of Jacobs House, New City Road.”
Police and paramedics arrived shortly after 6am, “to find the body of five-year-old Aalim Ahmed impaled on the spikes of the railings outside the ground floor of the building,” she continued.
“There were no life-saving opportunities, and once removed from the railings Aalim was pronounced deceased.
“It became apparent that Aalim’s father had been the person who’d foud Aalim, and his cries had been heard by other residents.
“Preliminary enquiries suggest that Aalim had fallen from the kitchen window of his home on the 15th floor.”
A post-mortem found his cause of death to be “multiple injuries, due to trauma (fall from height)”.
The pathologist noted that Aalim’s death was “instantaneous”, the court heard.
“What a terrible and sad occurence,” said coroner Mr Wade as he opened Aalim’s inquest and adjourned it until October 29.
Newham Council has confirmed it is also carrying out a “full investigation” to establish the circumstances surrounding Aalim’s death.
The Health and Safety Executive has confirmed it is not investigating the incident.
The young boy been described by his primary school headteacher as a “beautiful, happy and caring boy”.
A friend described Aalim’s mother as “broken” following his death, adding: “She can hardly speak.”
His aunt Maryan Hadafow - who described him as “a lovely boy” - said Aalim had opened the kitchen window after waking up early for school.Ms Hadafow claimed Aalim’s mother had complained to Newham Council about windows which can be opened to their full extension by pressing a button on the inside.
Abi Gbago, chief executive of Newham Council, said: “Yesterday was a heart breaking and tragic day for all concerned, and we are united both in our grief, and in our determination to ensure the family are fully supported.
“What they have been through with the loss of Aalim, their child, is truly devastating and they will need time and space to mourn such a terrible loss.
“We are undertaking a full investigation to reach the fullest possible understanding of what happened, and will fully support any other investigations.
“Once all of the relevant facts are established and investigations are concluded, which we will do as quickly as possible, we will provide an update.”
Flowers and toys have been left by the railings at Jacobs House following Aalim’s death.
One card left with flowers said: “To the family you are in our thoughts may he shine brightly in your hearts forever.”
Caroline Stone, headteacher at New City Primary School, told the Standard: “Aalim was a beautiful, happy and caring boy who thoroughly enjoyed school and was popular with all his friends.
“He was much loved by his family and all the staff at New City.
“This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this sad time.”
