Lagos tower fire sparks chaos as occupants leap to safety
Panic broke out on Broad Street, Lagos Island, on Tuesday after smoke from a basement fire forced the evacuation of a six-storey building.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the incident began in the inverter room of Afriland Tower’s basement.
Deputy Controller General Ogabi Olajide said the service received a distress call at 1:38 p.m., with firefighters from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations responding swiftly to contain the situation.
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According to him, crews prevented the outbreak from spreading beyond smoke-filled floors, while evacuation of trapped occupants was carried out. “Operations have concluded dousing earlier panic,” he added.
Videos and photographs from the scene showed smoke billowing from upper levels, with occupants smashing windows for ventilation and some leaping down in fear.
Onlookers rushed to provide makeshift support with ladders and foamy materials.
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Eyewitnesses described frantic scenes as people screamed, crowded onto ledges and hung from windows to escape the smoke.
Several workers were seen smashing glass panes to breathe, while residents below reached up to help them.
Although the fire was contained to the basement, the smoke had already engulfed multiple floors, fuelling panic throughout the building.
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