At least six more people have been confirmed dead following the Afriland Towers fire on Broad Street, Lagos Island, bringing the death toll to 10.
The latest victims were staff of United Capital Plc, which occupies the 3rd and 4th floors of the six-storey commercial building.
This comes just hours after the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) confirmed that four of its employees also died in the blaze.
The fire reportedly started in the inverter room in the building’s basement around 1:30 pm on Tuesday, sending thick smoke billowing into the air and forcing panicked occupants to attempt desperate escapes through windows.
Emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, rescued at least nine occupants. Five were revived on site, while four remained unconscious.
In a statement on Thursday, United Capital Plc expressed grief over the loss of its staff members:
“It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues, following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers… Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void.”
The company added that it is preparing a memorial service in their honour and promised support for the bereaved families.
While authorities have yet to release an official casualty figure, eyewitnesses and internal sources confirm that “not everyone made it out alive.”
Emergency responders earlier said the fire may have been triggered by an inverter explosion, though investigations are still ongoing.
Attempts to reach the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, NEMA, and LASEMA for official confirmation were unsuccessful as of press time.
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