By Atoyebi Nike
A major fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon at Afriland Tower on Broad Street, Lagos Island, where one of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) branches is located.
The blaze reportedly started in the building’s basement inverter room before spreading rapidly to multiple floors. Ogabi Olajide, Deputy Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, said the alarm was raised at about 1:38 p.m., prompting immediate response from fire crews stationed at Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu.
Videos circulating online showed chaotic evacuation scenes as fire service ladders were used to rescue trapped staff through windows, while others were seen attempting to leap to safety as thick smoke filled the high-rise. A large crowd gathered outside the building, filming the dramatic rescue operation.
As of press time, no casualties have been officially confirmed. Firefighters are still battling the blaze while emergency responders urge the public to avoid the area to allow unhindered rescue and containment operations.
