The incident caused panic in the busy commercial area after thick smoke was seen coming from the building, prompting the urgent evacuation of occupants. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with people smashing windows for air and others jumping from upper floors to escape the smoke.

According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the fire originated in the inverter room located in the basement of Afriland Tower, a six-storey building that hosts several businesses, including a UBA branch.

Deputy Controller General Ogabi Olajide said the service received a distress call at 1:38 p.m., and fire crews from the Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations responded swiftly. He noted that the fire was quickly contained, preventing it from spreading beyond the smoke-filled basement and lower floors.

In a statement shared via its official social media handle, UBA clarified that the affected building was not its head office and reassured the public about the safety of everyone in the branch.

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“We are aware of the fire incident at a building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, which incidentally houses one of our many branches,” the statement read.

“Contrary to reports online and on social media, the affected building is not UBA House, Marina, the Bank’s head office. We have ensured the safety and well-being of our staff and customers in the branch.

Olajide added that evacuation efforts were concluded successfully and the situation was under control.

Source: Channels