Four in Critical Condition as Fire Guts Lagos Skyscraper, Another Plaza Collapses

A fire outbreak at Afriland Tower on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has left four people critically injured as the six-storey building, home to a UBA branch and other offices, went up in flames.

The incident sparked panic in the busy commercial hub as occupants and passersby rushed for safety. Videos circulated on social media showed desperate individuals attempting to leap from the building, while others were rescued with the help of ladders provided by residents and volunteers. Crowds gathered at the scene as firefighters battled to contain the blaze.

According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the emergency call was received at 1:38 p.m. Fire crews from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations responded swiftly. Deputy Controller of the service, Ogabi Olajide, confirmed that the fire originated in the inverter room located in the basement, with smoke spreading rapidly across multiple floors. He added that evacuation was in progress as firefighting operations brought the flames under control.

An emergency responder at the scene said he personally rescued two victims before firefighters took over. The Fire Service later confirmed that 11 people were evacuated into ambulances, nine were rescued alive, and five were successfully resuscitated. Efforts are ongoing to stabilise four others in critical condition.

In a separate incident later in the evening, another blaze broke out at Central Plaza, also on Broad Street, leading to part of the building collapsing around 7:40 p.m. Traders and shop owners rushed to salvage their goods and equipment as emergency responders worked to contain the fire.

An eyewitness said all occupants had been evacuated before the partial collapse, noting that no one appeared to be trapped. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Shakiru Amodu, confirmed that rescue operations were ongoing but said details would be released after the operation was concluded.

As of press time, the exact causes of both fires had yet to be determined. The incidents come barely two weeks after a fire gutted a filling station on Isawo Road, Ikorodu, raising renewed concerns about fire safety in Lagos State.

Meanwhile, United Bank for Africa has issued a clarification following speculation online that its Marina head office was affected by the fire. The bank explained that its head office, UBA House in Marina, remains intact.

“As against reports on online and social media, the affected building is not UBA House, Marina, the Bank’s head office” the statement read.

UBA further assured that it has taken measures to ensure the safety of its staff, customers and visitors at the affected branch. “We have ensured the safety and well-being of our branch staff, customers and other visitors in the building” it added.