Elevator accident: LASCOPA, FCCPC, others to investigate Dr Vwaere’s death

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) are set to investigate the elevator accident that led to the death of female doctor, Diaso Vwaere at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos.

General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo and the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of FCCPC, Babatunde Irukera said in a joint statement.

LASCOPA and FCCPC said they alongside other relevant agencies and authorities of the Lagos State Government (LASG) have initiated a move that will help uncover the actual cause of the elevator that malfunctioned and eventually led to the death of Vwaere.

“As consumer protection regulators, LASCOPA and FCCPC are deeply saddened by this tragic occurrence, and commiserate with family, friends, colleagues, and associates of Dr. Diaso; as well as the larger community affected,” they said.

“In view of this incident, 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.”

Solebo and Irukera assured members of the public that LASCOPA and FCCPC will continue to work hand-in-hand with other relevant authorities to ensure the continuing safety of facilities for the benefit of consumers, patrons, and all other government facilities.

Meanwhile, the Lagos state government has commiserated with the family of the late Vwaere and set up an inquiry team to investigate the elevator accident that killed the medical doctor.

Vwaere who was a medical house officer died on Tuesday as a result of injuries sustained after she was trapped in an elevator at the Lagos Island General Hospital, Odan for more than 40 minutes.

“An inquiry by a team of officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Lagos State Safety Commission and certified Lift and Vertical Transportation Equipment experts has commenced,” the government said.

The Lagos State Government also said that it will ensure that anyone indicted by the report of the inquiry will be sanctioned.