Photo caption: Ramon Nasir
By Emeka Ugwuanyi
Nigeria’s tier 1 and leading deposit money bank (DMB), United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) has clarified that the fire incident that occurred Tuesday afternoon was not at its head office contrary to some media reports.
A statement from the bank signed by its Group Head, Media and External Relations, Mr. Ramon Nasir, stated that one of the bank’s branches is housed in the affected building.
The statement entitled “Fire incident in Lagos Island”, said: “We are aware of the fire incident at a building on Broad Steet, Lagos Island, which incidentally houses one of our many branches.
“As against reports online, and social media, the affected building is not the UBA House, Marina, the Bank’s head office.
“We have ensured the safety and wellbeing of our staff and customers in the branch.”
Photo caption: Workers being evacuated from the scene of the fire incident at Afriland Tower, Broad Street, Lagos
The Business Intelligence Africa (TBI Africa) magazine gathered that a branch of UBA housed in Afriland Tower on Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos was engulfed in flames on Tuesday afternoon.
According to eye witnesses, intense fire and smoke were seen billowing from the building, which reportedly started in the basement inverter room before spreading to multiple floors.The incident reportedly sparked panic among residents and passersby in the busy commercial area.
According to the Deputy Controller-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Ogabi Olajide, the alarm was raised at 1.38pm and fire crews from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations promptly responded. Emergency services were swiftly mobilized to contain the blaze and evacuate occupants. However, the cause of the fire is yet unknown even as investigation is said to be ongoing.
Videos circulating online show where members of staff of various companies in the building were being evacuated through windows with the help of fire service ladders, while others were seen attempting to jump out in panic as thick smoke engulfed the high-rise building.
Meanwhile, no casualties have been officially confirmed. Firefighters remained on the ground battling to contain the blaze and minimise damage, while emergency responders urged the public to stay clear of the area as rescue and containment operations continued.
