….Chaos Erupts as Staff Make Daring Escapes
In a dramatic turn of events, a fire outbreak tore through the United Bank for Africa (UBA) branch located in Afriland Towers, Broad Street, Lagos Island, earlier today.
The inferno, which reportedly started in the *basement inverter room*, quickly spread to other parts of the six-story building, sending thick black smoke billowing into the air and causing widespread panic in the bustling commercial area .
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as employees and customers scrambled for safety. In a heart-stopping moment, several staff members were seen climbing out of windows, with some using ladders to escape while others jumped in desperation.
Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, arrived promptly to tackle the blaze. Firefighters from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations worked tirelessly to contain the flames and evacuate trapped individuals.
The area was cordoned off as operations continued, with motorists and pedestrians advised to avoid Broad Street to allow for rescue efforts
Preliminary reports suggest the fire may have been triggered by an electrical fault in the inverter room, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Investigators are currently on-site to determine the exact cause of the blaze .
While no fatalities have been reported, several people sustained minor injuries during the frantic escape.
One employee who jumped from the second floor was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
“We are thankful there were no deaths, but this incident highlights the urgent need for improved fire safety measures in high-rise commercial buildings,”
said an official from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA)
The fire has caused significant damage to the building, with millions of naira worth of assets reportedly destroyed.
Videos circulating online show the charred remains of office equipment and furniture, while the structure itself has been severely compromised.
UBA has yet to release an official statement addressing the incident or the extent of the losses .
This is not the first time UBA has faced a fire incident, as a similar outbreak occurred at its Victoria Island branch in 2018. The latest incident has reignited concerns about fire safety protocols in Lagos, particularly in densely populated commercial hubs like Broad Street
As investigations continue, Lagosians are left to reflect on the bravery of the emergency responders and the resilience of the city’s people. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all those affected and preventing such disasters in the future
