Panic swept through Broad Street on Lagos Island on Tuesday as a fire broke out in a six-storey commercial building, Afriland Tower, sending workers and residents fleeing for safety.
According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the fire started in the inverter room located in the basement of Afriland Tower, a busy commercial building in the heart of Lagos Island.
Deputy Controller General of the fire service, Ogabi Olajide, confirmed that emergency teams received the distress call at 1:38 PM. Firefighters from the Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations were immediately dispatched to the scene.
“Evacuation of occupants is in progress, while operations have concluded dousing earlier panic,” Olajide said in an official statement.
Occupants Seen Jumping from Windows as Smoke Engulfed Building
Videos circulating on social media showed terrified occupants jumping from upper floors, while bystanders rushed in with ladders and foam materials to cushion their fall. Some workers were seen smashing glass windows to escape the thick smoke, while others clung to ledges awaiting rescue.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with screams echoing across Broad Street and black smoke billowing from multiple floors. Several people were seen crowding at windows, gasping for air and waving for help.
Quick Response Prevents Full-Scale Disaster
Thanks to the swift response by Lagos fire officials, the fire was contained before it could spread uncontrollably. However, smoke had already permeated several floors, leaving the structure engulfed in fumes.
Photos from the scene show smoke streaming from broken windows, as firefighters continued ventilation efforts and crowd control.
No Casualties Reported Yet
As of the time of this report, no fatalities have been confirmed, although some individuals were treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.
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