The parents of a five-year-old autistic boy who died after falling from a 15th-floor window stated they had repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of their home. Aalim Ahmed died in May 2024 after falling from a kitchen window at a residential block in Plaistow, east London. His parents, Makail Ahmed and Sahra Osman, said the window had become compromised, allowing their son, who had no sense of danger, to open it and fall out believing he could fly.

"Keeping Aalim safe occupied our world," the couple said. "We could not have loved Aalim more, and we do not believe we could have tried harder to keep him safe." Aalim's autism meant he had "repeatedly" thrown himself down stairs, and his parents feared he could fall from the windows.

Upon moving into Jacobs House, Mr. Ahmed and Ms. Osman reported significant issues with the flat, including lack of electricity and water. They claim Newham Council was aware of their concerns due to information about Aalim's condition provided three years prior to his death. An inquest heard differing accounts regarding the condition of the windows between the family and the council. An engineer sent by Newham Council in December 2023 found the windows to be functioning, but the parents stated that reports recommending overhaul and handle changes were not acted upon for seven months. Even after some work was done, they felt the danger persisted as the windows could still open 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. "No parent should ever have to bury their child."

Assistant Coroner Ian Wade concluded that Aalim, being autistic, was "incapable of making reliable judgments about his personal safety and abilities." He noted that the windows "were not used appropriately" and that Aalim climbed onto a chair to reach the windowsill of a double turn and tilt window, opened it, and then leapt out. The coroner stated there was no compelling reason for a landlord to consider the 15th-floor placement inappropriate, but the compromised windows were significant. He did not find a basis for issuing a report to prevent future deaths.

John Gray, cabinet member for housing at Newham Council, described the incident as a "tragic accident" and expressed condolences to the family. Newham Council has been contacted for further comment. The family continues to cherish memories of Aalim, finding solace in their daughter who reminds them of their son.