A devastating fire at Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has claimed at least 10 lives, with six additional deaths confirmed among employees of United Capital, a financial and investment services firm occupying the third and fourth floors. This follows the earlier announcement by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) that four of its staff members perished in the blaze, which occurred on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
The fire, believed to have originated in the inverter room in the basement around 1:30 pm, caused widespread panic as thick smoke engulfed the building. Eyewitnesses reported occupants attempting to escape through windows as emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service and Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, worked to contain the flames.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reported rescuing nine individuals, with five successfully revived and four remaining unconscious. The agency noted that several others escaped unharmed, but concerns about casualties persisted.
United Capital confirmed the loss of six staff members in a statement shared exclusively with our correspondent on Thursday morning. “It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues,” the statement read. “Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void.” The company expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, pledged support, and announced plans for a memorial service to honor the victims.
The confirmed death toll from the Afriland Towers fire now stands at 10, with fears that the number could rise. Emergency responders continue to investigate the cause of the fire, preliminarily linked to an inverter explosion. Efforts to reach the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the National Emergency Management Agency, and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency for further details were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
