Joy Yesufu, Abuja
The death toll from Tuesday’s fire at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has risen to 10 as United Capital Plc has confirmed the loss of six employees in the tragedy.
The announcement came just hours after the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) disclosed that four of its staff members also died in the incident.
The victims from United Capital were among those working on the third and fourth floors of the six-storey commercial complex when the blaze broke out.
The fire, believed to have started in the inverter room in the building’s basement around 1:30 p.m., sent thick smoke billowing through the tower and forced occupants to scramble for safety.
Eyewitnesses reported some individuals attempting to escape the raging fire by jumping out of the windows as firefighters and emergency personnel battled the flames.
Rescue teams from the Federal Fire Service and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service pulled nine people from the building.
Five were resuscitated, while four remained unconscious at the time. Officials have yet to release a comprehensive casualty figure, though both company statements and eyewitness accounts confirm multiple fatalities.
In a statement on Thursday, United Capital expressed “profound grief” at the loss of its staff.
“Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void,” the firm said, adding that preparations are underway for a memorial service.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the National Emergency Management Agency, and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency have not issued updated casualty figures as of press time.
The blaze has left one of Lagos Island’s busiest business districts reeling, with questions mounting over safety protocols in commercial high-rises.
