Afriland Towers fire death toll now 10; Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Obasa mournThe death toll from the devastating fire that engulfed Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos, has risen to 10.Authorities confirmed that six additional victims succumbed to injuries on Thursday, bringing the number of casualties to 10, following the four initially reported after Wednesday’s inferno.Emergency responders said rescue efforts continued through the night, with several survivors receiving treatment in various hospitals across the city. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, officials disclosed that structural engineers had begun assessing the safety of the affected building and surrounding properties.
President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, have all expressed grief over the tragedy.In a condolence message, President Tinubu commiserated with the families of the victims, describing the incident as a “deeply saddening national loss.” He also extended sympathy to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United Bank for Africa (UBA), whose offices were affected by the fire.Governor Sanwo-Olu visited the site on Thursday morning, where he pledged full government support for the victims and assured Lagosians that a comprehensive probe would be launched to prevent future occurrences.Speaker Obasa, in a statement, urged regulatory authorities to intensify safety inspections of commercial buildings across Lagos.
He prayed for the repose of the departed and quick recovery of the injured.Meanwhile, Broad Street, one of Lagos Island’s busiest commercial hubs, remained partially closed to traffic as emergency officials cleared debris and secured the area. Businesses around the vicinity have also been advised to remain shut until further notice.