The Afriland Towers fire in Lagos has claimed at least 10 lives and left more than 25 people injured after a massive blaze broke out in the commercial high-rise on Tuesday. The tragedy has shaken Nigeria’s business capital, as victims included workers trapped inside the seven-storey office building.
Videos shared on social media showed terrified occupants of building smashing windows and leaping from the third and fourth floors to escape thick smoke. Many survivors sustained burns, fractures, and respiratory problems due to smoke inhalation.
According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the Afriland Towers fire started in the basement inverter room, where poor maintenance and lack of ventilation led to overheating and combustion. Authorities also reported that sealed windows, a lack of functioning public address systems, and missing evacuation signage worsened the chaos.
Witnesses described heartbreaking scenes as some workers jumped without safety support, while others clung to ledges until rescuers arrived. Emergency services battled the fire for hours, but heavy black smoke spread quickly throughout the building.
United Capital Plc later confirmed that six of its employees died in the tragedy, while the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) also lost four staff members. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu called the incident “unfortunate” and expressed condolences to grieving families.
Investigations into the fire in Lagos are ongoing, with the Federal Fire Service pledging to release findings on safety compliance and building management practices. Authorities say the outcome will help prevent future tragedies in the city’s business district.
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