On a busy afternoon at Afriland Towers, Broad Street, Lagos, smoke began curling from the basement inverter room, immediately triggering alarm and panic.
Thick black clouds quickly filled the building, forcing occupants to take desperate measures to reach safety.
Desperate Escapes
As visibility vanished in the corridors, some staff leapt from windows, their courage under extreme conditions helping prevent further tragedy.
Meanwhile, fire alarms blared and safety teams activated protocols at once, but the intensity of the blaze challenged coordinated evacuation.
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Rapid Response
Within 20 minutes, emergency responders arrived and contained the fire at its origin.
The building’s emergency staircases, smoke extractors, fire reels, and fire drills demonstrated their purpose, although smoke still limited access and slowed some evacuations.
Tragically, smoke inhalation claimed 10 lives, including employees from United Capital Plc and the Federal Inland Revenue Service.
In response, Afriland Properties is providing support and assistance to the bereaved families and affected organisations.
