By Ayox Ojo
Afriland Properties Plc said it has began immediate investigation into the fire incident at its 6-storey Towers on Broad Street in Lagos Island on Tuesday.
The company also expressed its sadness over the incident while extending its heartfelt sympathies and prayers to all those impacted by the fire incident, their families and loved ones.
The company said this in a statement by its Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Chukwunonso Okafor on Wednesday.
The company said swift intervention of fire services and other emergency workers helped to manage and control the fire outbreak.
“From the moment the incident was reported, the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire Service and other emergency services were promptly alerted and on the scene to contain the fire and coordinate rescue efforts. Their swift intervention was instrumental in mitigating further damage and managing the situation,” the company said.
“We are deeply saddened by this incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to their families and loved ones.”
According to the company “initial reports indicate, the incident began in the inverter room, and, regrettably, smoke spread quickly through the building, including the emergency exits even as standard safety protocols were being observed during the evacuation.”
Afriland Properties said it was working closely with authorities and thanked emergency responders, first aid workers and members of the public, describing their efforts as “heroic.”
Recall that Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said it rescued nine casualties from the fire at the six-storey Afriland Tower.
The Deputy Controller-General of the agency, Mr Ogabi Olajide, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
He stated that nine victims had been rescued in total, out of which five were successfully resuscitated.
“A total of nine victims have been rescued, with five individuals successfully resuscitated.
“Several others escaped unhurt while efforts are currently ongoing to resuscitate the remaining four individuals, ” he said.
According to him, the incident was reported at exactly 1:38 p.m., and fire crews closest to the scene were immediately deployed there.
“After a call was received, fire crews from Ebute Elefun Fire Station and Sari Iganmu Fire Station responded.
“The fire originated in the inverter room located in the basement of the building, while smoke has spread across multiple floors and engulfed the structure,” he said. (NAN)
