Cocoa House elevator crash kills one, injures three

From Stella Obi, Ibadan

An elevator conveying people at the Cocoa House building in Ibadan, reportedly crashed and claimed the life of one person leaving three people injured on Wednesday.

The elevator in the Cocoa House, a 26 storey building built in 1965, was said to be undergoing regular repairs before it crashed on Wednesday.

The structure, also known as ‘Ile Awon Agbe,’ which is under the management of the Odua Investment Company Limited, is occupied by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria and several other businesses, mostly private.

According to the statement signed by the Head of Corporate Affairs, Odua Investment Company, Ltd (OICL),  Victor Ayetoro, confirmed that one person died during the mishap.

Mr Ayetoro informed that the elevator crashed into the basement pit.

Ayetoro said, “At around 11am this morning, the lift installation team from our contractor handling the installation of the new lift to improve efficiency of work at Odua Investment Company Limited while working on the lift suffered a mechanical failure. 

“The said failure resulted in the lift car dropping and crashing into the basement pit.

 Unfortunately, one of the technicians in the team did not survive the incident.

“Three other technicians suffered minor injuries and have been taken to the hospital for check up/ treatment. The head office of the company has been informed and their representatives have arrived to take charge of the situation while the Police have also been informed.

“We sympathise with the family of the deceased and pray that God will grant repose to the lost soul and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, Oyo State Command, Olugbenga Fadeyi, in a message ,  confirmed that one person died and  the three  injured were immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention.