The ever busy Broad Street on Lagos Island on Tuesday afternoon, was gripped by an unsettling mix of panic and relief as thick black smoke curled into the sky from Afriland Tower, a busy commercial high-rise that is home to several businesses, including a branch of United Bank for Africa (UBA).
Business activities were temporarily disrupted when a fire broke.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that nine persons were rescued from the building and five of them successfully revived after inhaling smoke.
Several other occupants escaped without injury.
The agency said the fire started in the basement inverter room at about 1:38 p.m., sending thick smoke through multiple floors and prompting an immediate evacuation.
“Search and rescue operations were carried out alongside efforts to contain the fire,” the Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement posted on its X handle.
Videos shared on social media showed smoke billowing from the building and workers being assisted to safety by passersby before emergency responders arrived.
In a separate statement, UBA confirmed that the building affected by the fire housed one of its branches but clarified that its corporate head office on Marina was not involved.
“We have ensured the safety and well-being of our staff and customers in the branch,” the bank said, assuring that normal business operations at its head office remain unaffected.
By Tuesday evening, the fire had been brought under control, and emergency officials were continuing to monitor the site.
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