At least four people have been hospitalised after two separate fire outbreaks razed buildings on Broad Street in the Lagos Island area of Lagos State on Tuesday.
The first incident occurred at Afriland Tower, a six-storey commercial building housing a branch of United Bank for Africa and several companies.
The blaze, which started in the inverter room located in the basement, quickly spread across multiple floors, sending thick smoke through the structure and causing panic among occupants and passersby.
Videos circulated online showed some individuals attempting to jump from the building while others were rescued with ladders by residents and emergency workers.
Deputy Controller of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS), Ogabi Olajide, confirmed that fire crews from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations responded at 1:38 p.m. “Evacuation of occupants was in progress while firefighting operations had been concluded, dousing the earlier panic before the arrival of the first responders,” he said.
Emergency officials said 11 persons were evacuated, with nine casualties recorded.
Five were successfully resuscitated, while four remained in critical condition as of press time.
Hours later, a second blaze erupted at Central Plaza, another multi-storey complex on the same street.
The fire, which began around 7:40 p.m., led to a partial collapse of the building as firefighters battled to contain the flames.
Traders and shop owners were seen salvaging their goods before the collapse occurred.
Witnesses confirmed that all occupants had been evacuated, and no casualties were immediately reported.
LSFRS spokesperson Shakiru Amodu, speaking from the scene, said rescue operations were ongoing and further details would be provided after the situation was brought under control.
The causes of both fire incidents have yet to be determined.