Afriland Towers Fire: Six More Fatalities Confirmed, Death Toll Rises to 10

The tragic fire incident at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has claimed more lives, bringing the confirmed death toll to ten.

United Capital Plc, an investment and financial services company with offices on the 3rd and 4th floors of the six-storey building, announced on Thursday that six of its employees did not survive the blaze. This confirmation follows Wednesday’s disclosure by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) that four of its staff members were also among the victims.

The fire reportedly broke out around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the inverter room located in the building’s basement, quickly filling the tower with thick smoke and causing widespread panic. Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of people attempting to escape through windows as emergency teams worked to contain the flames.

According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, at least nine individuals were rescued during the operation. Five were revived on site, while four others remained unconscious at the time. “Several others escaped without harm, while efforts continue to stabilize those in critical condition,” the agency said in an earlier update.

In a statement mourning its late staff members, United Capital described the incident as “a profound loss,” noting that the deceased had been valuable members of its corporate family. The company added that arrangements are underway for a memorial service to honour their lives.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of our colleagues. This is an irreplaceable loss, and we are committed to supporting those affected during this painful time,” the statement read.

Emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and other agencies, continue to investigate the cause of the blaze, which is suspected to have been triggered by an inverter explosion.

As of press time, officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, National Emergency Management Agency, and Lagos State Emergency Management Agency had not released a consolidated casualty figure.