In a reportedly reported fire at the Afriland Towers in Lagos on Tuesday, ten employees of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United Capital Plc lost their lives.
The FIRS and United Capital Plc have confirmed the deaths in separate statements.
FIRS reported losing four of its employees, but UCP reported that the incident had resulted in the loss of six.
The victims were identified as Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr. David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager) and Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager).
When the tragedy struck, the deceased were occupied by the building’s sixth and seventh floors, which also house two FIRS offices.
The statement read, “Firs announces the tragic loss of four of its employees during the fire incident at Afriland Towers with a heavy heart,” the statement read.
The agency claimed the affected floors serve as the base for its Medium Tax Audit and Onikan Emerging Tax Office.
It added that the building’s Security and Safety officials called the fire service right away when they were called, but that already the building was covered in thick smoke.
According to FIRS, its management and staff are deeply shocked and have reached out to the deceased’s families, promising to offer all the help they need.
“We are collaborating with all relevant organizations in Lagos to discover the root of the unfortunate incident. We will be reviewing safety measures across FIRS offices, including those located in rented and owned buildings, throughout the country, according to the statement.
The UCP also expressed grief over the deaths of its employees, calling the fire victims “our company and family” and “an integral part” of it.
The statement continued, “Their painful loss leaves an unfilling void.”
On Tuesday, panic seized Broad Street as a result of smoke coming from the basement of the building.
Onlookers rushed with ladders and foamy materials for support while occupants were frantically jumping down in fear on the video.
While below stretched out their hands to catch them, strewn at glass windows to breathe.
According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the fire started in the basement of the Afriland Tower’s inverter room.
Witnesses described obscene scenes where smoke echoed across Broad Street as it quickly spread through the upper floors.
Additionally, images of the incident showed that some windows were forced open for ventilation, and that smoke was seen billowing from the upper floors.
Numerous occupants crowded around the structure’s windows and ledges to escape the dense smoke that quickly spread.
Source: Channels TV
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