Chaos in Marina as Fire Guts Afriland Tower
Broad Street, Marina, one of Lagos Island’s busiest commercial corridors, was thrown into pandemonium on Tuesday afternoon when fire gutted Afriland Tower, a six-storey high-rise, forcing terrified occupants to jump out of windows to save their lives.
The fire reportedly broke out at about 1:24 p.m., starting in the inverter room located in the building’s basement before spreading quickly to upper floors.
Within minutes, thick black smoke enveloped the tower, sparking confusion as office workers scrambled to escape.
Eyewitnesses said many trapped occupants had no choice but to leap from the building.
“People were screaming from the top floors. Some of them jumped down because the smoke was choking them,” recounted Ibrahim Adetola, a shop owner nearby.
“We were just praying they would survive the fall.”
Another bystander, Chioma Nwokoye, who works in an adjoining office, described the scene as “terrifying.” She said: “We could hear glass shattering and people crying for help.
Some were waving handkerchiefs out of the windows until the firefighters arrived.”
Emergency responders from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Federal Fire Service (FFS) mobilized swiftly, deploying teams from Ebute Elefun, Sari-Iganmu, and other units.
Firefighters were seen battling the inferno with water cannons while ladders were used to evacuate stranded occupants.
Deputy Controller General Ogabi Olajide of the Lagos Fire Service confirmed that the flames had been subdued after hours of intense work. “Our men focused on fire suppression and safe evacuation.
While the fire has been put out, checks are still ongoing to ensure no one is trapped inside,” he said.
In a statement, Deputy Controller Paul Abraham, spokesperson for the FFS, assured the public that the fire was under control, though officers remained on site for mop-up and structural assessment. “We are monitoring closely to prevent any re-ignition,” he noted.
So far, no official report of casualties has been confirmed, but emergency workers disclosed that several occupants sustained injuries from smoke inhalation and falls during the escape. They were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Afriland Tower, located in the heart of Marina, is a landmark office complex that houses several corporate firms, financial institutions, and business outfits.
The building is considered a vital hub in Lagos Island’s commercial ecosystem, making the fire a major disruption to business activities in the area.
Authorities have since cordoned off the premises while investigations continue to determine the immediate cause of the fire.
The public has been urged to avoid the scene to allow rescue and recovery operations proceed unhindered.
Meanwhile, the Federal Fire Service reminded Nigerians of the importance of reporting emergencies promptly via its toll-free line 112 or 0803-200-3557.
“This incident underscores the need for vigilance and quick reporting. Early alerts save lives,” Abraham emphasized.
As dusk fell, smoke still lingered in the skyline above Broad Street, leaving bystanders shaken by the sight of yet another urban fire disaster in Lagos’ commercial heart.
