“AFRILAND TOWERS FIRE TRAGEDY: DEATH TOLL HITS 10 AS MORE VICTIMS IDENTIFIED”
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–THE devastating fire at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has claimed 10 lives, with United Capital Plc confirming the deaths of six employees and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) announcing the loss of four staff members.
Tragedy Unfolds:
– Rising Death Toll: The confirmed fatalities bring the total death toll to 10, highlighting the severity of the incident.
– Multiple Victims: The fire has affected several organizations, with prominent institutions like United Capital Plc and FIRS among those who have suffered losses.
– Investigation Underway: The incident is likely to prompt a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and the response of emergency services .
United Capital, which occupied the 3rd and 4th floors of the building, described the deaths as a devastating blow. “Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family.
Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void,” the firm said in a statement, adding that plans were underway for a memorial service in their honour.
The fire, which broke out around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the inverter room located in the basement, sent thick smoke billowing across the building and forced occupants to flee in panic.
Eyewitnesses reported some individuals attempting to escape through windows as emergency responders battled the flames.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that nine people were rescued from the building. Five were revived, while four others were taken away unconscious.
Officials, however, have yet to release an official casualty figure.
The cause of the fire is believed to be an inverter explosion, though investigations are ongoing.
Efforts to obtain further clarification from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the National Emergency Management Agency, and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency were unsuccessful as of press time.
United Capital expressed gratitude to emergency responders for their efforts during the incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
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