At least 10 persons have been confirmed dead after the tragic fire accident that occurred at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island on Tuesday, September 16. This is as United Capital, a financial and investment services firm that occupied the 3rd and 4th floors of the building, confirmed that six of its staff died …
Death Toll in Afriland Towers Fire Rises to 10
At least 10 persons have been confirmed dead after the tragic fire accident that occurred at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island on Tuesday, September 16.
This is as United Capital, a financial and investment services firm that occupied the 3rd and 4th floors of the building, confirmed that six of its staff died in the inferno.
Earlier reports had confirmed death four persons in the tragic incident.
Pinnacle Daily had reported that fire broke out in the six-storey commercial building on Tuesday, September 16.
Videos that went viral showed thick smoke billowing from the building as people made efforts to rescue some people trapped by the fire inside the building. The fire was said to have emanated from the inverter room located in the basement of the building.
In a statement released on Thursday morning, the United Capital expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of their six staff, adding that it has left “an immeasurable void” in the company.
“Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones, and we continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers, as well as provide all the support we can to them during this most difficult time,” part of the statement read.
The company said preparations were being made for a memorial service to honour the lives of the victims and mark their passing.
“We thank the emergency services and all those who responded for their valiant assistance at the time of the incident.
“In this moment of untold grief, we stand together in solidarity, drawing strength from one another as we navigate this period. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) disclosed earlier that four of its senior staff also died in the incident, bringing the total number of confirmed fatalities to 10.
At least nine persons were rescued during rescue operation conducted jointly by Federal Fire Service and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
“A total of nine victims have been rescued. Five individuals have been resuscitated. Several others escaped unhurt, while efforts are ongoing to revive the remaining four,” the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives in the fire incident at Afriland Towers.
Tinubu also extended his condolences to the FIRS and United Capital who lost their employees in the fire.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in mass communication.
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