The Lagos State Authorities has defined how Tuesday’s fireplace incident at Afriland Tower on the Broad Avenue a part of Lagos Island began.
The state authorities, in its preliminary findings, revealed that the fireplace began within the basement of the high-rise constructing the place emergency backup batteries have been saved.
This was made identified by the Director-Common of the Lagos State Security Fee, Lanre Mojola, throughout a joint press convention on Thursday, September 18, 2025, on the Bagauda Kaltho press centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos state.
Additionally in attendance on the press convention are the Lagos State Commissioner for Data and Technique, Gbenga Omotoso; Particular Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile; Director of the Lagos State Fireplace and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye; Director of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Dr Wuraola Makinde; and Director of Operations of the Lagos State Emergency Administration Company (LASEMA), Mr. Olatunde Akinsanya.
Mojola defined that the smoke unfold shortly by the air-conditioning ducts, inflicting panic amongst occupants and escalating the incident.
He identified that first responders arrived promptly on the venue of the fireplace incident, including that the victims died of inhalation of smoke.
Reiterating the federal government’s proactive strategy, Mojola mentioned greater than 200 high-rise buildings throughout Lagos had already undergone fireplace security certification in 2025.
He urged property house owners and facility managers to cooperate with regulatory companies by registering their premises for routine security inspections.
Lagos launches probe
The Lagos State Commissioner for Data and Technique, Gbenga Omotosho, on the press convention, mentioned the state authorities has launched a probe into the fireplace incidents at Afriland Towers and Central Plaza on Lagos Island.
The federal government confirmed that there have been fatalities that occurred on account of inhalation of smoke and never from fireplace accidents, debunking insinuations that the Fireplace Service didn’t do sufficient to cease the blaze.
The federal government condoled with those that misplaced their family members within the incident.
Omotoso, who mentioned Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered the probe, following misinformation concerning the fires, urged folks to shun rumors concerning the unhappy incidents.
He mentioned the federal government, which commissioned 62 fireplace vehicles in someday final 12 months, wouldn’t relent in putting in modalities to make sure emergency responders perform their obligation promptly, effectively, and successfully.
He reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering dedication to the safety of lives and property, stressing that the security of lives is a vital side of governance in Lagos, and the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration will proceed to spend money on security infrastructure.
Omotoso, on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the “ugly” incidents as “unlucky” and prolonged condolences to households and companies affected by the fires.
Victims died of smoke inhalation, not fireplace accidents
Additionally talking, the Director of the Lagos State Fireplace and Rescue Service, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, mentioned her crew arrived on the scene in lower than 20 minutes after receiving a misery name. She mentioned firefighters efficiently curtailed the unfold of the flames and rescued a number of trapped victims, regardless of operational challenges posed by crowd interference and site visitors congestion.
She additionally confirmed that the Afriland Towers fireplace began from the basement of the constructing, the place inverter batteries have been stored, and unfold to the opposite elements of the constructing.
The Director of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Dr Wuraola Makinde, disclosed that emergency medical personnel have been instantly deployed, and plenty of smoke inhalation sufferers obtained immediate remedy.
She mentioned no sufferer died of fireside accidents, however on account of inhalation of smoke, including that those that sustained accidents have been taken to the Common Hospital in Lagos and handled without spending a dime. Three of them, she mentioned, had been discharged and reunited with their households.
What you must know
The Afriland Tower fireplace incident was reported on Tuesday, with the inferno affecting occupants throughout the constructing, forcing many to scramble for security.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as some folks jumped from home windows onto cushions improvised by members of the general public, whereas others used ladders held by volunteers to descend safely.
The Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, had earlier confirmed the demise of colleagues because of the fireplace incident, describing it as devastating and pledging assist for the bereaved households.
The Federal Inland Income Service (FIRS), who’ve an workplace on the Afriland Tower, additionally confirmed the demise of 4 of its employees from the fireplace incident
The fireplace has sparked public concern over security requirements in high-rise buildings. Observers highlighted the risks posed by insufficient emergency exits, lack of fireside hydrants, and inadequate preparedness for emergency conditions. Many known as for stronger fireplace security measures, correct evacuation routes, and common drills to stop comparable tragedies.
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