The death toll from the tragic fire outbreak at Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial complex on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has climbed to ten. Fresh confirmation on Thursday revealed that six employees of United Capital Plc, a leading financial and investment services firm, lost their lives in the incident.
The confirmation came just hours after the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) announced that four of its staff members also perished in the inferno on Wednesday evening.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire reportedly ignited in the inverter room located in the basement around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Thick smoke quickly engulfed the building. Sparking panic as some occupants attempted desperate escapes through windows.
Emergency teams, including officials from the Federal Fire Service and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, battled the flames while rescuing trapped individuals.
Authorities disclosed that nine people were pulled from the tower. Five were successfully revived, while four remained unconscious during initial recovery efforts. Despite the rescues, United Capital later confirmed in a statement that six of its staff members did not survive the tragedy.
“Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void,” the firm stated. Also pledging support to bereaved families and announcing plans for a memorial service.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service earlier hinted at possible casualties. Noting ongoing efforts to stabilize victims. However, an official casualty figure has not yet been released by government agencies.
For now, United Capital and FIRS have publicly acknowledged the loss of their staff members. Bringing the confirmed deaths from the Afriland Towers fire to ten. Investigations continue into the exact cause. Though initial reports suggest an inverter explosion triggered the devastating blaze.
