Fire Engulfs Afriland Tower, Occupants Leap Through Windows in Lagos Island Panic

Panic gripped Broad Street, Lagos Island, on Tuesday after a fire broke out at Afriland Tower, a six-storey commercial complex in the Marina area, forcing occupants and passers-by to flee for safety.

Viral videos captured scenes of terrified occupants jumping through windows to escape the smoke-filled building, while others were rescued using ladders as thick plumes of smoke billowed into the sky.

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) confirmed it received the distress call at 1:24 p.m., prompting the swift deployment of the White Watch and Campus units. Firefighters began evacuating trapped occupants while battling the blaze, which preliminary findings revealed started in the inverter room at the building’s basement.

Deputy Controller Paul Abraham, the FFS National Public Relations Officer, said:

“As of the time of this release, our crews remain on ground to ensure complete extinguishment, continuous monitoring, and the structural safety of the building.”

He urged residents to stay calm, cooperate with responders, and report emergencies via the toll-free line 112 or 0803 200 3557, stressing that “early alerts save lives.”

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also confirmed receiving the call at 1:38 p.m., with crews from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations deployed. Deputy Controller General Ogabi Olajide said:

“The fire originated from the inverter room in the basement before smoke spread to other floors. Evacuation of occupants is in progress, while firefighting operations have been concluded, dousing the earlier panic.”

By evening, authorities reported the fire was contained, but personnel remained on-site to evaluate the building’s safety.

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