The Afriland Towers fire, which claimed several lives on Tuesday, was the subject of a clarification from the Lagos State government.
According to officials, the blaze started in the basement of the six-story commercial building on Broad Street on Thursday.
The state government stated to the residents that the state’s top priority is always the safety of people’s lives and property.
At a press conference with first responder organizations, Gbenga Omotoso, the commissioner for information, made the findings public.
On Tuesday, panic seized control of Broad Street, Lagos Island, as a result of a six-storey building’s smoke-strengthening fire scare forced evacuation.
Onlookers rushed with ladders and foamy materials for support while the scene’s videos showed terrified occupants jumping down in fear.
While below stretched out their hands to catch them, strewn at glass windows to breathe.
However, Lanre Mojola, the Safety Commission’s director general, claimed victims “inhaled smoke while trying to leave the building.”
We received a distress call at 1:30 p.m., Mojola explained, and immediately mobilized LASAMBUS, LASEMA, and the Safety Commission.
He claimed that despite working safety systems, smoke quickly spread from the basement to every floor, berating many occupants.
“The tower had adequate alarms, exit points, and rescue equipment.” He claimed that people panicked as they breathed in smoke, which caused injuries.
Mojola urged high-rise owners to obtain proper certification from the government and made sure no one died from burns.
Rescue Efforts
Margaret Adeseye, the fire and rescue service’s director general, claimed her team arrived 20 minutes after the call was received.
“We received a call at 1:38 p.m. and arrived at 1:56 p.m.,” Adeseye said. Rescue efforts immediately began.
She confirmed that the fire started in the inverter room’s basement, with no injuries to the victims.
“There were three detectors, alarms, and exits. Some victims “fell in panic” and avoided escape routes, which worsened the situation,” she continued.
Dr. Wuraola Makinde, LASAMBUS director, claimed that many survivors had already left and reunited with their families and received prompt treatment.
The government also admired traders who lost their goods in another fire incident at Central Plaza near Mandilas Market.
Organizations’ Statement
Four employees died in the Afriland Towers aforeshadowing, according to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
The victims were senior staff members of the organization, according to a statement released by Mr. Dare Adekanmbi, the FIRS Chairman’s media aide.
The statement read, “Firs announces the tragic loss of four staff members with a heavy heart.”
The agency’s Medium Tax Audit and Onikan Emerging Tax Office, which are located on the sixth and seventh floors, are where the deceased are located.
Despite the fact that the building was already covered in thick smoke, FIRS claimed to have immediately alerted fire services.
The organization pledged to increase safety at all of its offices nationwide and offered assistance to the families who had been affected.
Six employees, who United Capital Plc described as “a significant part of our company and family,” were also confirmed by the company.
The statement read, “Their painful loss leaves an unfathomable void.”
Witnesses described chaotic scenes where trapped workers leaped and smashed windows, prompting evacuees to use ladders to aid.
