19 Sep Tragedy in Lagos claims lives in high-rise building fire

At least ten individuals have lost their lives, and 25 others have suffered injuries following a fire that erupted in a high-rise building in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.

On Tuesday, 16 September, videos circulating on social media depicted occupants of the seven-storey Afriland Towers leaping from the third and fourth floors as the flames engulfed the structure.

Many of the victims were commercial workers trapped inside this busy hub, which houses numerous companies and organisations.

Survivors report enduring severe burns and fractures while attempting to escape, with others experiencing respiratory distress due to smoke inhalation.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (Lasema) released a statement indicating that the fire originated in the building’s basement, where electrical equipment was located.

Preliminary assessments suggest that poor maintenance and insufficient ventilation in the inverter battery area led to overheating and eventual combustion.