Two separate tile-related accidents have claimed the lives of an artisan and a landlord in Edo State, triggering renewed concerns over the hidden dangers posed by slippery ceramic surfaces in homes and workplaces.
In the first incident, a middle-aged artisan identified as Alex reportedly suffered a fatal fall at his family residence on Agadagudu Street, off Television Road, in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State.
Family sources said Alex slipped in the courtyard and crashed his head against newly laid ceramic tiles. He reportedly sustained a severe head injury and was pronounced dead before he could be taken to the hospital.
His sudden death has plunged his aged mother, popularly known as Mama Ogunmola, and other family members into grief.
A similar tragedy occurred about three months ago in Ohoghobi community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, where a sexagenarian landlord reportedly died after slipping on bathroom tiles.
According to sources, the dark-skinned landlord slipped backwards on the tiled bathroom floor and suffered a serious head injury.
His wife, who was waiting outside the bathroom, reportedly became worried after he failed to respond for about 30 minutes. She eventually forced the door open and found her husband lying in a pool of blood.
He was rushed to a nearby clinic, where a physician reportedly confirmed that he had died from the injuries sustained in the fall.
The two incidents have heightened safety concerns among residents, particularly over the use of highly polished and slippery tiles in bathrooms, courtyards and other frequently used areas.
Residents have consequently been urged to exercise greater caution when selecting and installing flooring materials, while homeowners and property developers are encouraged to consider anti-slip surfaces and other basic safety measures to reduce the risk of potentially fatal falls.
