The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed a fire incident that occurred in one of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) branches on Lagos Island on Tuesday, September 16.
The authority confirmed this in a statement signed by its Deputy Controller General, Ogabi Olajide.
It stated that operatives were battling the fire at the six-storey building located on Broad Street at the time.
“A fire outbreak is currently being battled at a six-storey building on Afriland Tower, Broad Street, Lagos Island.
“The call was received at 13:38 hours, and fire crews from Ebute Elefun Fire Station and Sari Iganmu Fire Station responded,” the statement read.
The fire was said to have been started in the inverter room in the basement before smoke spread across multiple floors and engulfed the structure.
“Evacuation of occupants is in progress, while firefighting operations have been concluded, dousing the earlier panic before the arrival of the first responders,” it added.
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Videos circulating on social media showed the intensity of the blaze.
The fire, which broke out in the bank building, drew immediate attention as thick smoke and flames rose into the air, sparking panic among residents and passersby in the area.
Emergency services were mobilised to the scene in an effort to contain the inferno.
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In the video, a man is seen climbing down a ladder from the building as others hold down the ladder for him, apparently as part of an evacuation exercise.
At the time of filing the report, no casualties were officially confirmed, although the video footage in circulation suggests that parts of the structure sustained significant damage.
Alex is a business journalist cum data enthusiast with the Pinnacle Daily. He can be reached via ealex@thepinnacleng.com, @ehime_alex on X
