A five-year-old autistic boy, who died after falling from a 15th-floor kitchen window, had no sense of danger and his parents had repeatedly raised safety concerns about the windows, an inquest heard. Aalim Ahmed fell from a compromised window at his family's flat in Plaistow, east London, in May 2024.
His parents, Makail Ahmed and Sahra Osman, stated they had expressed worries about the windows shortly after moving into the property, fearing their son might fall out. They described their autistic son as someone who "occupied our world" and stated they "could not have tried harder to keep him safe." The couple reported experiencing significant issues with the flat upon moving in, including lack of electricity and water.
According to the parents, Newham Council was aware of their fears, having received information about Aalim's condition three years prior to his death. An inquest heard conflicting accounts regarding the condition of the windows between the family and the council. An engineer dispatched by Newham Council to inspect and assess window overhauls reported that the windows were functional during a visit on December 17, 2023.
The parents claim that while they were told windows needed overhauling and handles replaced, the recommended work was not carried out, despite documented reports and visits. After seven months of complaints, some work was eventually done, but the family maintained that the danger persisted, with windows still opening too widely with minimal force.
"What happened has shown us that the system has many flaws and that things are not always taken seriously enough," the couple stated. "Many people struggle when dealing with the council, and we sincerely hope that something can be learned from what has happened to our family. No parent should ever have to bury their child."
Assistant Coroner Ian Wade concluded that Aalim's autism made him "incapable of making reliable judgments about his personal safety and abilities." He noted that the windows "were not used appropriately." In the early hours of May 16, 2024, Aalim awoke, went to the kitchen, climbed onto a chair and then a windowsill of a double turn and tilt window. He opened the window and jumped, believing he could fly or come to no harm. He died at the scene.
Mr. Wade stated he found no basis for issuing a report to prevent future deaths, adding that there was no compelling reason why a landlord should have considered placing the child on the 15th floor inappropriate. He emphasized that the critical factor was not the floor height but the fact that the windows had become compromised.
John Gray, Newham Council's cabinet member for housing, expressed that it was a tragic accident and offered condolences to the family. He also acknowledged the coroner's thorough hearing of the facts.
Despite their profound loss, the parents find solace in their other children, stating, "Our daughter reminds us of him every single day. It is bittersweet. We are constantly reminded of what we have lost, but at the same time, we see so much of him in her. Part of him will always be with us, and we love that more than words can say."