Vwaere Diaso: LASCOPA, FCCPC to probe firm responsible for installation of elevator

The Lagos state Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) say they will probe the engineering firm that installed the elevator at the General Hospital, Lagos Island.

TheCable had reported that an elevator fell from the 10th floor of the hospital building on Tuesday and caused the death of Vwaere Diaso, a medical doctor undertaking horsemanship at the healthcare facility.

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 known to have faults which staff had made complaints about.

In a joint statement after the incident, the agencies commiserated with the family of the deceased doctor, assuring that they would investigate the cause of the accident.

“Information so far received by both the FCCPC and LASCOPA indicate that an elevator malfunction at General Hospital Odan, Lagos, resulted in a downward crash,” the statement reads.

“Dr Vwaere Diaso, who was conducting her horsemanship medical training at the medical facility, was a passenger in the elevator.

“She died as a result of fatal injuries sustained on account of the unfortunate accident,

“Relevant agencies and authorities of Lagos state are currently fully engaged and involved in addressing this sad occurrence and emergent situation.

“LASCOPA and FCCPC have been in constant communications with respect to appropriate consumer protection regulatory intervention or action.

“LASCOPA and FCCPC are commencing a joint inquiry and review of the circumstances surrounding this incident, particularly, but not limited to the relevant service provider(s) responsible for installation and service/maintenance of the elevator or related equipment.

“As noted, other relevant Lagos state authorities are fully engaged to ensure the continuing safety of facilities for the benefit of consumers, patrons, and all other users.”

TheCable reported that the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has also set up a panel of inquiry on the incident.