BREAKING: Six More Deaths Confirmed in Afriland Towers Fire
At least six additional deaths have been confirmed following the fire outbreak at Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State. This raises the confirmed number of deaths from the tragedy to 10The victims were identified as employees of United Capital Plc, a financial and investment services firm occupying the 3rd and 4th
The confirmation comes just hours after the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) announced that four of its staff members also died in the incident on Wednesday evening, bringing the combined fatalities to double digits.Related News: Seven Victims Confirmed Dead in Lagos Afriland Tower Fire
According to eyewitness accounts and internal reports, the fire reportedly started in the inverter room in the basement around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Thick smoke quickly filled the air, triggering panic among occupants. Videos circulating online showed individuals attempting to escape through windows while emergency responders battled the flames.Officials from the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and other first responders rescued at least nine persons from the building. Of these:
Five were successfully revived
Four remained unconscious
Several others escaped unhurt
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service stated:
“A total of nine victims have been rescued. Five individuals have been resuscitated. Several others escaped unhurt, while efforts are ongoing to revive the remaining four.”
In an exclusive statement shared Thursday morning, United Capital Plc confirmed it lost six members of staff to the tragedy:
“It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues, following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.”
“Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones. We are making preparations for an appropriate memorial service to honour their lives and mark their passing with dignity and solemnity.”
United Capital also expressed gratitude to emergency services for their assistance and pledged ongoing support to the families of the deceased.
The fire is believed to have been triggered by an inverter explosion in the basement of the building. While officials have yet to release an official casualty figure, eyewitnesses and internal company sources insist that “not everyone made it out alive.”Attempts to reach the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) for confirmation were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.The eight-storey Afriland Towers, located on Broad Street, Lagos Island, had been a major hub for banks and corporate tenants. Before the fire, the building was occupied by several financial institutions, including FIRS and United Capital. The incident has now raised fresh concerns over fire safety standards in Lagos high-rise buildings.The Afriland Towers fire adds to a growing list of tragic incidents in Lagos’ high-density commercial centres. Industry experts and regulators have intensified calls for stricter enforcement of building safety codes and emergency preparedness measures, especially for older high-rise structures where electrical and inverter-related accidents remain a persistent risk.
