THE death toll from the fire outbreak at Afriland Towers, a commercial high-rise on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has risen to 10 after United Capital Plc confirmed the loss of six of its employees.
The tragedy follows an earlier announcement by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) that four of its staff also died in the incident, which began on Tuesday afternoon in the building’s basement inverter room.
Thick smoke quickly spread through the eight-storey complex, forcing occupants to scramble for safety.
Emergency responders from the Federal Fire Service and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service managed to rescue at least nine people, reviving five, while four others were initially left unconscious.
Despite their efforts, more casualties were later confirmed.
In a statement issued yesterday, United Capital expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of its staff, describing them as integral members of the company and pledging full support for their families.
The firm also announced plans for a memorial service in their honour.
While investigations into the exact cause of the fire continue, eyewitnesses reported chaos as occupants attempted to escape, with some jumping through windows.
Officials are yet to release an official casualty figure, but internal reports confirm that not everyone made it out alive.