The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has reassured the public of the safety of its staff and customers following a fire incident on Broad Street, Lagos Island, on Tuesday, which affected a building housing one of its branches.
Toscad news reported that the incident triggered panic in the commercial hub as thick smoke poured from the basement of the six-storey Afriland Tower, leading to the evacuation of occupants and dramatic scenes caught on video.
According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the fire originated from the inverter room in the building’s basement, prompting emergency calls and a swift response from multiple fire stations.
“We received a distress call at 13:38 hours and deployed teams from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu fire stations,” said Deputy Controller General Ogabi Olajide.
While no major structural damage or casualties were reported, several floors became smoke-filled, forcing trapped workers to break windows for ventilation. Eyewitness footage showed terrified individuals leaping from windows, while bystanders used ladders and foam materials to assist them.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, UBA clarified that while the affected building houses one of its branches, it is not the UBA House on Marina, which is the bank’s head office.
“We are aware of the fire incident at a building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, which incidentally houses one of our many branches,” the statement read.
“As against reports online and on social media, the affected building is not the UBA House, Marina, the Bank’s head office. We have ensured the safety and well-being of our staff and customers in the branch.”
The fire, though contained before escalating, led to moments of chaos. Trapped office workers smashed windows for air, while crowds below frantically aided with makeshift rescue materials. Screams could be heard as smoke rapidly spread across upper floors.
“Evacuation of occupants is in progress, while operations have concluded, dousing earlier panic,” said Olajide.
The Lagos State Fire Service confirmed that the situation is now under control, and full investigations into the cause of the electrical fire are underway.
