Tragedy in Lviv: Officials Face Up to Eight Years Imprisonment
In Lviv, the police have informed two officials of suspicion in violating safety regulations, which led to the death of an elevator passenger. The head of the association of co-owners of a multi-apartment building, where the tragedy occurred, and the electromеханік of the Lviv municipal enterprise, responsible for the technical maintenance and proper condition of elevators, face punishment – imprisonment for up to eight years.
Investigation Details
As established by investigators of the department for investigating crimes against life and health of the investigative department of the Lviv region police, in 2019, a routine inspection of the elevator was conducted in one of the multi-apartment buildings on Mazepa Street in Lviv. During the inspection, violations of labor protection legal requirements, which posed a threat to life and health, were discovered. These violations were not promptly eliminated during the inspection period, and despite the ban, the operation of the elevator continued.
Residents of the entrance repeatedly complained about the incorrect operation and frequent breakdowns of the passenger elevator, but the officials – the head of the association of co-owners of the multi-apartment building and the electromеханік of the municipal enterprise responsible for the technical maintenance and proper condition of elevators, did not eliminate the shortcomings, did not take measures to maintain the elevator in fail-safe operating condition, which led to the tragedy.
Consequences of the Tragedy
On April 7, 2023, due to the malfunctioning of safety devices, which occurred as a result of the unsatisfactory technical condition of the elevator, the passenger was killed – she was caught between the cabin and the shaft. The woman received injuries that led to her death.
Under the procedural guidance of the Lviv regional prosecutor’s office, officials were informed of suspicion in committing a crime under part 2 of article 272 (Violation of safety regulations during work with increased danger) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The article provides for punishment – restriction of freedom for up to five years or imprisonment for up to eight years, with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years.
Pre-trial investigation continues.