The tragic fire incident at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has claimed more lives, with the management of United Capital Plc confirming the death of six of its staff members. This announcement brings the official death toll to ten.
The six victims, all employees of the financial and investment services company, worked on the third and fourth floors of the six-storey commercial complex. Their deaths were confirmed barely 24 hours after the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) disclosed that four of its staff also perished in the blaze.
The inferno, which broke out on Tuesday afternoon around 1:30 pm, reportedly started in the inverter room located in the basement. Within minutes, thick smoke spread throughout the building, sending occupants into panic. Some individuals attempted desperate escapes through windows while firefighters battled to contain the flames.
Emergency services, including the Federal Fire Service and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, rescued nine people during the operation. Five were successfully resuscitated, while four remained unconscious. Authorities had warned at the time that more fatalities could not be ruled out.
In a statement issued on Thursday morning, United Capital described the loss of its workers as “an immeasurable void.”
“It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues, following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers,” the company said. “We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones, and we are making preparations for a memorial service to honour them.”
The firm also expressed gratitude to emergency responders and pledged continued support to the bereaved families.
Although eyewitnesses suggested the fire may have been triggered by an inverter explosion, officials are yet to release a detailed cause or comprehensive casualty report. Attempts to obtain updates from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the National Emergency Management Agency, and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency were unsuccessful at press time.
Meanwhile, the tragedy has reignited concerns over safety standards in high-rise office buildings on Lagos Island, with questions being raised about evacuation protocols and the adequacy of emergency response measures
