Following the tragic fire that broke out at Afriland Towers on Broad Street in Lagos Island during the week, the real estate company Afriland Properties Plc has released a detailed set of frequently asked questions (FAQs).
According to separate statements from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United Capital Plc, 10 staff members perished in the fire.
The fire, which started in the basement inverter room of the building, forced the residents to take desperate steps like attempting to jump from the building’s windows.
The company has created a FAQ to address the incident in response to inquiries about the cause of the fire, including important concerns raised by the public.
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Afriland Properties Plc Responses to FAQs:   ,
- What set off the fire?
The inverter room in the Afriland Towers basement was where the fire started. Safety protocols were immediately in effect. However, the thick black smoke and intense heat quickly enveloped the basement, causing rapid spread throughout the structure.
- Why did your employees have to jump from windows to escape?
The smoke quickly spread throughout the structure, severely limiting visibility and preventing people from entering designated evacuation areas. Some occupants tried to escape through the windows in their attempts to get to safety under these challenging circumstances. Significant disorder was caused by the incident’s intensity, which hampered effective communication.
- Existing fire alarms, were they effective? Why did the fire start without going off?
Fire alarms and safety devices are present in the building. Some occupants indicated they heard the alarms, but others didn’t. This is being looked into. However, alarms are installed on all floors.
- Around 10:00 am, I can tell when the fire started. Why did the response time for ambulances and fire services take longer than three hours?
Around 1:20 p.m., the fire started. The first responders arrived about 20 minutes later, while the on-site fire champions activated the fire protocol. We sincerely appreciate their efforts, as well as the assistance of well-intentioned Nigerians who assisted in bringing the situation under control.
- What were the Towers’ fire evacuation plans in the event of a fire?
Afriland Towers has standard fire evacuation plans, regular drills, and documented safety procedures. Evacuation was incredibly challenging due to the quick spread of thick smoke, though.
- How come a building like this has no emergency exits and staff had to break windows to let in the smoke?
Two separate emergency staircases, one for each floor, and multiple exit points on the ground floor complete the design of the building. The use of these escape routes was severely hampered by the rapid spread of smoke, though.
- Why weren’t there fire sprinklers and smoke extractors in a building that was “sought to be facilities management company”?
Fire safety features, such as smoke extractors, fire reels, and extinguishers, are provided at Afriland Towers in accordance with federal and state fire service recommendations. It is crucial to remember that the fire originated where it was contained. Regularly, we work with safety regulators to make sure our buildings meet all occupancy requirements, as well as having valid certifications to do so.
- Were staff training sessions not regularly conducted to ensure that they knew what to do in fire incidents?
Yes, Afriland Towers’ safety culture includes fire drills. The fire service regularly conducts fire drills, and both the federal and state fire services annually certify building safety protocols. Additionally, each floor of the building has a dedicated fire warden who receives training annually.
- Given that Afriland and Heirs Holdings is their sister company, why was UBA’s initial statement so disparaging?
We think the initial statement was intended to stop misdirected emergency services because early reports incorrectly suggested the UBA head office was on fire. We extend our gratitude to their sincere explanations and sympathy expressions.
- What kind of support do you offer their families and how many casualties actually occurred?
Sadly, there were 10 fatalities, including Federal Inland Revenue Service employees and United Capital Plc employees. We send our sincere condolences to their families, and we work closely with the affected organizations to provide compassionate and practical support for the bereaved.
- What caused the casualties?
According to the information available, smoke inhalation was the primary cause of casualties.
- Are employees anticipated to leave the building, which almost nearly killed them?
Before anyone is asked to return, the building will go through a thorough structural, safety, and regulatory review. Priority is still given to staff safety, and alternative arrangements will be made until the building is fully safe.
- What assistance do you offer the depressed employees of your company?
All staff members’ well-being is a priority for us. This includes counseling, structured support during this time of grieving, and pre-hospital evaluations. Management is also reviewing long-term support plans to make sure our employees are treated and valued.
- Will insurance cover the losses if the building was insured?
Yes . The responsible officers are currently reviewing the details, and we are also awaiting the official report, which will set out the next steps.
- What steps are you currently taking to prevent this from occurring again?
We are conducting a thorough safety check of all of our managed facilities, including Afriland Towers. To ensure elevated safety protocol even beyond regulatory requirements, this includes working with independent fire safety experts, regulatory bodies, and insurers.
- What will Afriland Towers’ future hold?
The building will remain operational until all necessary reconstruction or system upgrades are completed, including thorough safety audits, thorough post-fire cleaning, and thorough inspections. Additionally, additional steps will be taken to restore the environment and make it habitable for all. Re-occupation of the building will only occur once the relevant authorities have granted it a level of safety.
- How does this affect Afriland’s ability to support its own employees directly?
We have established staff support channels, flexible work hours, and grief counseling. Our top priority is always the welfare of our staff, which is a time of mourning and healing.
- What lessons can be drawn from this incident for Afriland Properties?
There are valuable lessons that will aid other organizations in strengthening their disaster prevention strategies in addition to preventing a repeat of the same.
- How will Afriland approach regulators in the future?
Working closely with all regulatory bodies, our findings will guide the implementation of corrective measures going forward. We appreciate and applaud their oversight.
- Will Afriland’s other initiatives and activities be impacted by this?
