Panic erupted on Broad Street, Lagos Island, Tuesday afternoon when smoke from a fire in the basement of a six-storey building forced a hurried evacuation.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reported that the blaze started in the inverter room located in the basement of Afriland Tower.
Deputy Controller General Ogabi Olajide said the emergency call came in at 1:38 PM, prompting fire crews from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations to quickly respond.
Thanks to their swift action, the fire was contained before it could spread beyond the smoke-filled floors.
“Evacuation is ongoing, and the situation is now under control,” Olajide confirmed in an official statement.
Videos from the scene showed terrified occupants jumping from the building, while onlookers rushed with ladders and foam to assist.
Some trapped workers broke windows to breathe fresh air, while people below extended their hands, trying to catch those fleeing.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes with screams ringing out as thick smoke rapidly filled the upper floors of the building.
Photos revealed large plumes of smoke billowing from windows, some of which had been forced open to let in air.
Many occupants were seen clinging to window ledges to escape the spreading smoke.
Though the fire was eventually brought under control, the smoke had already engulfed multiple floors of the tower.
