By Sesi Noah At least seven people have been confirmed dead following Tuesday’s devastating fire at Afriland Tower on Lagos Island. Accordi...
By Sesi Noah
At least seven people have been confirmed dead following Tuesday’s devastating fire at Afriland Tower on Lagos Island.
According to punch the victims, who were initially rescued and rushed to different hospitals, later succumbed to their injuries. Doctors are still battling to save others who remain in critical condition.
The Afriland Tower fire was one of two separate infernos that rocked Lagos Island’s business hub the same day, leaving several people injured and properties worth millions destroyed. While the first blaze broke out at Afriland Tower in Marina, the second gutted Mandilas Market and nearby plazas on Taiwo Street.
Disturbing videos circulating online showed terrified occupants of Afriland Tower attempting to jump from upper floors, while others were rescued with ladders by passersby before firefighters arrived. Several people sustained injuries in the chaos.
According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, 11 people were evacuated from the building, with five revived after resuscitation efforts.
Tragically, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) later confirmed the loss of four staff members who worked in its offices located on the 6th and 7th floors of the tower. They were identified as Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr. David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager), and Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager).
In a statement, the FIRS described the incident as a “heartbreaking tragedy,” extending condolences to the bereaved families and pledging cooperation with authorities investigating the cause.
UBA staff were also feared to be among the casualties, though the bank has yet to officially confirm this. However, the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, expressed grief over the loss of colleagues in a heartfelt internal message, describing the deaths as “devastating” and cutting short his US trip to return to Lagos in their honour.
Eyewitnesses recalled that the fire started around 1:45pm with thick smoke billowing from one side of the high-rise. Some occupants shouted for help, while others leapt from windows onto improvised landing foams. Residents and traders around the building reportedly attempted rescues before professional responders arrived.
Meanwhile, Afriland Properties Plc clarified that the fire broke out at its headquarters, countering early reports that wrongly suggested UBA’s headquarters had been affected.
Barely hours after the Afriland Tower incident, another inferno swept through Mandilas Market and three adjoining plazas—Central Plaza, Yol Plaza, and the Obama & AO Building. More than 1,000 stalls were destroyed, with traders counting massive losses.
Witnesses said the fire started in one of the older buildings and spread quickly. While firefighters eventually contained the blaze, three buildings were completely razed. Traders also lamented looting that occurred as the fire raged.
The twin fire disasters have once again highlighted the recurring risks of electrical faults and poor safety standards in Lagos’ densely populated commercial centres. Experts and regulators continue to push for stricter enforcement of building codes, especially for older high-rises across the city.
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