Fresh details have emerged about the fire outbreak that happened last Tuesday, September 16, at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island.
Naija News reports that owners of the structure, Afriland Properties Plc, explained why some workers jumped out of the seven-storey building during Tuesday’s fire, which claimed at least 10 lives.
The skyscraper, which houses offices of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and United Capital Plc (UCP), was engulfed by thick smoke that trapped occupants and forced desperate staff to leap from upper floors.
In a statement signed by its Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Chukwunonso Okafor, Afriland said the blaze began in the inverter room in the basement before spreading quickly.
“The smoke spread rapidly throughout the building, severely compromising visibility and restricting access to designated evacuation routes. Under these challenging conditions, some occupants resorted to exiting through the windows in their efforts to reach safety,” the company explained.
The management confirmed that 10 people lost their lives in the tragedy, including staff of UCP and FIRS.
“Sadly, we recorded 10 fatalities, including members of United Capital Plc and the Federal Inland Revenue Service. We extend our deepest condolences to their families and are working closely with the affected organisations to ensure that the bereaved are supported with compassion and practical assistance,” Afriland said.
Four FIRS staff were identified as George Faith Ekelikhostse, David Sunday-Jatto, Nkem Onyemelukwe, and Peter Ifaranmaye.
Saturday PUNCH also confirmed the names of six UCP workers who died: Jesutoni Shodipo (21), Opeyemi Oloyede (28), Kehinde Adeoye (36), Olumide Oyefodunrin (26), Ndidi Osaemedike-Okeke (41), and Rebecca Adenuga (28).
The company added that the primary cause of casualties was smoke inhalation, not the fire itself.
Fire Alarms and Response Time
Addressing safety concerns, Afriland stated that fire alarms and emergency systems were operational, although not all occupants had heard them.
“The building is equipped with fire alarms and safety systems. The alarms were triggered and though some occupants indicated they heard them, some others didn’t. This is being investigated. However, alarms are installed on all floors,” the statement read.
It also dismissed claims that emergency services delayed their response.
“The fire started around 1:20 p.m. The on-site fire champions activated the fire protocol while the first responders came in about 20 minutes later. We remain grateful for their efforts, and for the support of well-meaning Nigerians who helped bring the situation under control,” Afriland noted.
It insisted that the building was designed with safety in mind.
“The building is designed with two dedicated emergency staircases providing access from all floors, as well as multiple exit points on the ground floor. Afriland Towers is also equipped with fire safety features, including smoke extractors, fire reels, and extinguishers, all in compliance with recommendations from both the Federal and State Fire Services,” Afriland said.
The firm added that fire drills were carried out regularly under fire service supervision and that each floor had a designated warden trained annually.
Response to UBA’s Statement
Afriland also addressed the controversy surrounding UBA’s initial statement that suggested its headquarters were not affected.
“We believe that the initial statement was intended to prevent emergency services from being misdirected, as early reports mistakenly suggested that the UBA head office was on fire. We also acknowledge their subsequent clarifications and their expressions of sympathy,” the statement said.
Tower Remains Shut Pending Safety Audit
The company said the building would remain closed until safety was fully restored.
“The building will remain closed until it undergoes thorough safety audits, deep post-fire cleaning, system upgrades, and any necessary reconstruction. Additional measures will also be implemented to restore the environment and ensure it is fully habitable.If You’re Reading From Phoenix Click On Read Original To Read Full Article
Staff welfare and confidence remain paramount, and alternative arrangements will continue until the building has been certified completely safe by the relevant authorities,” it assured.
Afriland stressed that staff welfare is its highest priority. It said counselling, medical checks, flexible work arrangements, and long-term support measures were being offered to grieving and traumatised employees.
The company further pledged a comprehensive review of all its facilities nationwide, noting that Afriland Towers is insured..Viral Video: ‘Daughter’ And Father Seen In A Pos!tion They Cannot Explain, See The 3 Minutes Video Here . .
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
