Lagos Launches Probe,Condoles Families After Afriland Towers Fire Claims 10 Lives

The Lagos State Government has ordered a thorough investigation into the devastating fire that broke out on Tuesday at Afriland Towers on Lagos Island, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals. The ill-fated incident sparked widespread concern and discussion, prompting the government to clarify details and offer condolences to the bereaved families.

At a joint press briefing held on Thursday at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Ikeja, government officials led by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, assured Lagos residents that emergency responders acted promptly and efficiently to contain the blaze. The government emphasized that the fatalities were caused by inhalation of smoke, not from direct fire injuries, dispelling rumors that the Lagos Fire Service efforts were insufficient.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu mandated the probe following misinformation about the tragic event. Omotoso reiterated the state administration’s strong commitment to safeguarding lives and property, noting that Lagos had invested in critical safety infrastructure, including a ladder capable of reaching over 10 floors in high-rise buildings.

According to Lanre Mojola, Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, preliminary investigations indicate the fire originated in the building’s basement—in the area housing emergency backup batteries. The smoke rapidly spread through air-conditioning ducts, causing panic and contributing to the deaths by smoke inhalation.

Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, reported that firefighters arrived at the scene within 20 minutes of receiving the distress call at 1:38 p.m. Despite challenges such as crowd interference and traffic congestion, the fire team curtailed the fire’s spread and rescued several trapped occupants.

The Lagos State Ambulance Service confirmed that most victims died from smoke inhalation, not fire burns. Injured survivors were taken to General Hospital in Lagos, where free treatment was provided; several have since been discharged.

Further reports reveal that among the deceased were staff members from United Capital and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) — six employees of United Capital and four from FIRS. Numerous eyewitness accounts and video footage circulated on social media showed occupants fleeing through windows and some jumping from third and fourth floors to escape the thick smoke.

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Lagos State teams and the Federal Fire Service have both launched investigations to determine the cause and evaluate compliance with fire safety regulations. The Federal Fire Service plans nationwide audits and enforcement on fire safety compliance to prevent recurrence.

Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government expressed profound condolences to families, businesses, and colleagues affected by the tragedy and pledged sustained efforts to enhance fire safety and emergency response across Lagos.