The Lagos State Government has confirmed that six persons have now died following the devastating fire outbreak at the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Lagos Island.
The latest figure emerged after rescue officials recovered another body from the rubble on the eighth day of an intensive search-and-rescue operation at the scene.
In an update released late Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, said the fresh discovery brought the number of confirmed fatalities to six, while 13 others sustained varying degrees of injuries during the incident.
He explained that eight males, including a firefighter who was injured during the operation, were taken to hospital for further medical attention.
Five other victims three men and two women suffered minor injuries and were treated on the spot before being discharged.
Omotoso disclosed that one adult female was recovered dead from a collapsed section of the building and later handed over to her husband.
Two adult males were also pulled out lifeless, while three other victims were said to have been burnt beyond recognition.
The fire, which broke out on December 24, reportedly started on the fourth floor of the high-rise building before spreading rapidly to other sections, causing extensive structural damage.
The inferno destroyed goods worth millions of naira and disrupted commercial activities, forcing many traders operating within the complex to abandon their shops.
Emergency responders remain at the site, continuing recovery operations, as authorities intensify investigations to determine the cause of the blaze.