SIX MORE DEAD CONFIRMED IN LAGOS TOWER FIRE

Investment firm United Capital IFUC has confirmed the loss of six employees in the fire that gutted Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, earlier this week.

The confirmation, made in a statement on Thursday, adds to the four deaths earlier announced by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, bringing the confirmed death toll to ten.

The six-storey commercial building went up in flames on Tuesday afternoon after a fire reportedly broke out in the inverter room in the basement. Thick smoke spread through the tower, forcing many occupants to scramble for safety.

Emergency officials from the Federal Fire Service and Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said nine people were rescued, with some revived on the spot while others were rushed for treatment. Several others escaped unhurt.

United Capital, which occupied the third and fourth floors of the building, described the loss of its workers as “profoundly painful” and promised to support their families. It also announced plans for a memorial service in their honour.

Authorities are yet to release an official casualty figure, but eyewitnesses and company sources said not everyone made it out alive. Investigations into the cause of the fire are still on going.

Reported by Elizabeth Enoch