Death Toll From Afriland Towers Fire Rises to 10 as United Capital Confirms Six More Victims

The Afriland Towers fire death toll rises to 10 after United Capital confirms losing six employees.

Emergency responders continue assessing the Lagos building as authorities probe the cause of the devastating blaze.

The death toll from the devastating fire at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has increased to 10 after United Capital Plc confirmed the loss of six of its staff members.

The blaze broke out on Tuesday afternoon at the six-storey commercial complex, which houses several prominent Nigerian businesses. According to officials, the fire started around 1:38 p.m. and quickly spread through parts of the building.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said teams from its Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations, alongside the Federal Fire Service and other emergency responders, were immediately dispatched to the scene. At least nine people were rescued from the tower during the operation, with five revived on the spot and four taken away unconscious for further treatment. Authorities had initially expressed concern that more fatalities could emerge as the incident unfolded.

On Wednesday evening, the Federal Inland Revenue Service disclosed that four of its employees had died in the fire. Later that night, United Capital Plc confirmed in a statement that it had lost six of its workers based on the third and fourth floors of the tower, bringing the confirmed death toll to 10.

The company described the deaths as a profound loss and pledged continued support to the bereaved families. It expressed its deepest sympathies to the families, colleagues, and friends of the victims, adding that the employees were valued members of its workforce and their absence would be deeply felt.

Authorities have yet to release an official cause of the blaze, while emergency services continue to assess the building and its safety.