News Update
At least six people have been confirmed dead following the fire outbreak at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State, taking the d3ath toll to 10.
The fire started in the inverter room in the basement around 1:30 pm on Tuesday and spread quickly through the six-storey commercial building, trapping workers and thick smoke engulfed several floors before emergency responders arrived.
The victims were employees of United Capital, a financial and investment services firm occupying the 3rd and 4th floors of the tower.
The firm confirmed the sad development in an exclusive chat with the punch on Thursday, September 18, just hours after the Federal Inland Revenue Service announced that four of its staff member died in the incident.
“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 on Tuesday, September 16, 2025,” the company said.
“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.
“We are making preparations for an appropriate memorial service to honour their lives and mark their passing with dignity and solemnity. 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.”
Emergency responders had earlier confirmed rescuing several occupants after the fire, which was believed to have been triggered by an inverter explosion.
While officials have yet to release an official casualty figure, eyewitnesses and internal company sources insist that not everyone made it out alive.