Death toll at Elumelu’s Afriland Towers fire rises to 10, United Capital lose 6 staff
Maureen Aguta
The death toll from Tuesday’s fire at Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has risen to 10.
United Capital Plc, which occupies the third and fourth floors of the building, confirmed on Thursday that six of its employees died in the incident. This follows an earlier announcement by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) that four of its staff members also lost their lives.
“It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues, following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers on Tuesday, September 16, 2025,” the company said in a statement.
It added that plans were underway to hold a memorial service in their honour.
The blaze reportedly began around 1:30 p.m. in the building’s inverter room in the basement, quickly spreading smoke through several floors.
Videos shared online showed workers smashing windows for air, while others clung to ledges until rescue ladders were deployed. Some jumped onto foamy materials laid out below to break their fall.
Emergency responders from the Federal Fire Service and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said nine people were rescued. Five were revived, while four remained unconscious at the time. Several others managed to escape on their own.
Afriland Properties Plc, owners of the tower, confirmed the fire in a statement on Wednesday.
The company said investigations were ongoing but preliminary findings linked the incident to the inverter room.
“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,” said Chukwunonso Okafor, Afriland’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications.
By Tuesday evening, the blaze had been contained, though safety checks on the structure continued.
Emergency officials have yet to release an official casualty figure, but company statements and eyewitness accounts suggest the death toll could rise further.
The Afriland Towers is a six-storey building owned by Afriland Properties, the real estate investment arm of Heirs Holdings Group, which has the billionaire banker, Tony Elumelu, as chairman.
The building which is located in the heart of Lagos Island’s business district, houses several corporate offices and remains under inspection following the tragedy.