Vwaere Diaso: Elevator installer arrested | Panel to submit findings today

The panel established by the Lagos state government to probe the elevator accident at the General Hospital, Lagos Island, is expected to submit its initial findings today.

TheCable had reported that the elevator fell from the 10th floor of the hospital building on Tuesday and caused the death of Vwaere Diaso, a medical doctor undergoing housemanship.

The deceased was said to be inside the elevator on her way to the ground floor to pick up a delivery from a dispatch rider when the accident occurred.

The elevator was said to have been previously faulty, and staff had complained about it.

The incident sparked outrage on and beyond social media and the Lagos government instituted a panel to investigate the elevator accident.

In a statement on Friday, Olumide Sogunle, permanent secretary, Lagos ministry of information and strategy, said the installer of the elevator has been handed over to the police for questioning.

Sogunle said the arrest is to ensure his availability when the panel needs him for further questioning.

“The panel met with the facility manager, personnel of LASIAMA, and the management of General Hospital, Lagos. The panel also met with the lift installer and the representatives of the company that installed the elevator,” the statement reads.

“The panel also invited a lift expert to the accident scene to look at the lift and give a preliminary opinion. Other experts would now take the elevator out for a thorough mechanical and electrical examination.

“As part of the panel’s activities from the first day when they interviewed the lift installer, they handed him over to the Police for questioning and further interrogation. This is to ensure that the installer will always be available if the panel needs him for further questions.

“Six house officers and representatives of the medical associations were appointed as witnesses. Representatives of the house officers and medical associations were allowed to be part of the panel.

“The panel was given 48 hours to conclude action and so it will be submitting a report of their initial findings on Saturday. Any other steps to be taken after would be done by the appropriate authorities.”